Wednesday, 7th August, 2013
Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke believes that he can better his last season's goalscoring tally.
The Belgium international netted 23 goals for the Villains in all competitions last term, which was his first season in England.
The 22-year-old has been in sublime form in pre-season too and found himself on the scoresheet against Walsall and Shamrock Rovers, in addition to a hat-trick against Crewe Alexandra.
Benteke knows that because of his goalscoring spree, expectations will be high, but he believes he is ready for another successful campaign.
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He explained to the club’s official site: "I am very happy to score some goals already in pre-season. I feel good. I feel really good.
"I expect myself to do better than last season.
"As a striker, a lot of people are waiting for me. The fans are waiting for me. So the pressure is going to be bigger around me but this is football and I accept that.
"I can take that. I am young. I am confident. This is part of football. You have to be able to handle this pressure. This is the life I have chosen so I am happy to take this on. I love it.
"Last season was a very good first season for me. I was happy with it. But now it's behind me. I have to look forward and try to do the same or even better.
"I am excited about the new season. I can't wait for it to start. I am looking forward to it."
Benteke retracted a transfer request and signed a contract extension with Aston Villa earlier in the summer.
His side will start their new campaign with a tough away fixture against Arsenal on 17th August.
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