Benteke: What Anfield means to me
Christian Benteke has explained why he relished playing at Anfield as an opposition player – and is now proud to call the stadium home.
Prior to his move to Liverpool from Aston Villa in the summer, the 24-year-old boasted a remarkable record in front of the Kop, with three goals to his name in as many appearances there since arriving in England.
Speaking exclusively to LFCTV for 'Benteke: The Big Interview', which airs for the first time at 8.30pm BST tonight, the striker opened up on what playing at Anfield as an opposition player meant to him.
"I knew the history. I knew it’s a massive club and they had won so many league titles,” said Benteke.
"When you arrive close to the stadium you are not stressed but you are excited and you feel like you have come somewhere that you have to be really, really good if you want to leave this pitch with the three points.
"When you play against Liverpool and this kind of big team you really appreciate it if you can score."
Perhaps unsurprisingly given his past exploits, Benteke marked his home debut in a red shirt with a winning goal last month.
The Belgium international diverted a Jordan Henderson cross home at the back post to secure a 1-0 win against Bournemouth - a moment that was a source of immense pride, according to the player.
"I think it’s something big [to play at Anfield]," he explained.
"There are some big names who used to play here so I knew when I came to play my first game here it would be something very big.
"I was proud of myself, because every week you want to play at Anfield and score in front of the fans, and have them singing your name.
"It’s something good I think for every player."
'Benteke: The Big Interview' premieres on LFCTV at 8.30pm BST tonight and will then be made available on demand for LFCTV GO subscribers.