Benteke’s off to join Rooney in America
CHRISTIAN BENTEKE has left Crystal Palace to join Wayne Rooney’s DC United.
The MLS transfer deadline was on Thursday, but the deal was completed before the cut-off point. Benteke was due to be involved for Palace last night in the Premier League curtain-raiser against Arsenal but was excused from Patrick Vieira’s preparations for the game to seal the move.
He will now link up with Rooney, who became DC United manager last month after leaving Derby. ‘Christian is a top player who has played at the highest level for a long time,’ said Rooney last night. ‘His experience and ability to score goals and help the team will be invaluable.
‘It’s exciting for the team and myself to get him in and playing. He will make a huge difference.’ Benteke (left) scored 37 goals in 177 appearances across six seasons at Palace, after joining from Liverpool for a club-record £27million.
He had one year left on his contract at Selhurst Park and was the subject of interest from Burnley in January but decided to stay in south London.