Crystal Palace forward Christian Benteke has admitted that former side Aston Villa will always be in his heart, and continues to follow their progress in the Championship this season.
The Belgium international joined the Claret and Blue in 2012 from Belgian side Genk, and went on to become a prolific goalscorer with Birmingham based club, scoring 42 goals in 89 appearances, earning him a move onto Premier League heavyweights Liverpool in 2015 for £32.5m.
The move didn't work out for the towering front-man, who fell out of favour with new manager Jurgen Klopp, and left the Merseyside club after just a season to join the Eagles for a similar transfer fee.
And according toSky Sports, Benteke has admitted that despite his movement away from the club to pursue his aim of Premier League and Champions League football, the 26-year-old still looks back fondly at his time at Villa, and hopes one day they can return to the top-flight of English football.
Ahead of @CPFC v @ChelseaFC, @ChrisBenteke answered your questions in an exclusive Q&A on Facebook Live: https://t.co/fGIPJdXwkD pic.twitter.com/dozMEgAmQQ
Aston Villa are still in my heart. They gave me the chance to be the player that I am today," said Benteke.
It's never easy to be relegated and the Championship is a tough league. I've followed their results and they have some good players. Hopefully they'll get back to the Premier League.�
Benteke has started the campaign with his new side well, scoring eight goals in 15 Premier League appearances, but will need to step up and be the club's main man should they win their current battle against being pulled into a relegation scrap.