Liverpool striker Christian Benteke is entering his first season at Anfield after leaving Aston Villa on a mega £32.5m deal.
Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood claimed credit for rejuvenating Benteke’s play last season, but the striker responded to these comments.
“People don’t understand. It was a bit frustrating. It was like I had never been injured,” Benteke said, according to the Daily Star.
“He came in at a good time, at a time when I was getting fit and getting better, so it was like a good time for both of us.”
Benteke was dealing with a ruptured Achilles at the time, which likely contributed to his slow start which saw him score just three goals in 21 appearances.
Sherwood took over as the Aston Villa boss in the middle of last season to replace Paul Lambert.
Benteke scored 12 goals in 13 Premier League matches following Sherwood’s arrival at Villa Park.
He helped Aston Villa to a 17th-placed finish which saw the Midlands club narrowly avoid relegation to the Championship.
However, Benteke has proven to be a consistent scoring threat throughout his career.
The Belgian international has scored 49 goals in his last three seasons and will be hoping to carry over his good form to Liverpool when the Reds face Stoke City in their season opener on Sunday.
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The Reds are hoping to put a disappointing sixth-place finish behind them and move forward with their bundle of new players.
They have signed players such as Benteke, defender Nathaniel Clyne, midfielder Roberto Firmino and striker Danny Ings.
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