Christian Benteke reveals he turned down Crystal Palace departure in January – but is not ruling out leaving this summer

Christian Benteke was happy that he was able to turn down a move away from Crystal Palace in the January transfer window – although the striker has not ruled out seeking a new challenge when his contract expires this summer.

In January, Benteke was linked to a reunion with former boss Sam Allardyce, whose West Brom side needed a striker. The 30-year-old scored nine times in 23 matches during Allardyce’s brief stint as Palace boss in 2017.

Benteke stayed and has netted five times in 23 appearances under Roy Hodgson. It is his best return since 2016/17.

“I know football, and that’s business. I’m in a position where I’ll be free at the end of the season and where the club could hope to get a few million euros [in January],” Benteke told Belgian outlet La Meuse while on international duty with Roberto Martinez’s side.

“You have to respect that desire, even if I wasn’t entirely in agreement. Beyond that, I’m an employee and I have a boss.

“What was good, however, was that I had the right to refuse [to leave], and that’s what I did. With time and experience gathered over the years, you learn to deal with the situation and how to work it in your favour.

“To be honest, at 30, I don’t exclude trying another challenge. It’s definitely more of a possibility than previously.”

Benteke’s Belgium face Wales, Czech Republic and Belarus during the international break.