Despite a long absence from the national team, Christian Benteke has not given up on the idea of wearing the Red Devils jersey again. “Why would I give up? As long as I play, the door remains open,” says the striker in Humo.
However, he tempers: “It’s not an obsession. I’m not hanging on every selection announcement.” Since his last match with the national team, on March 29, 2022, he has still not had a direct discussion with Domenico Tedesco. “I never interacted with him. During the last international break, he only contacted my club’s physiotherapist to check on me, but it didn’t go any further,” explains Benteke.
Top scorer last season in MLS with 23 goals, the 34-year-old striker is aware that his championship is little followed in Belgium. However, he firmly defends his level. “If players playing in China or Qatar have been called up in the past, why not players in the United States? It’s not that far and the level is more than respectable. The best player plays there, that deserves respect,” he insists.
Three years of absence
Despite almost three years without a call-up, Benteke remains motivated by the idea of representing his country. “I know what I can bring to this team: goals, but also the ability to lift others up,” he confides. Far from turning the page, he still hopes to find the selection and relive the emotions it provides.
