Christian Benteke surprised by higher level at Al‑Wahda

Under the scorching sun of the Al‑Wahda‑complex in Abu Dhabi stands Christian Benteke, 35, ready for his first training session. He left D.C. United earlier this year for the club from the United Arab Emirates and says that the level of play pleasantly surprised him.

A new chapter in Abu Dhabi

The 35‑year‑old striker deliberately chose a new chapter in Abu Dhabi, where he signed a lucrative contract. Benteke called the move a ‘new sporting adventure’ and emphasized that he did not see a return to a European competition.

After a spell in the MLS with D.C. United, where he scored a remarkable fifty‑nine goals in one hundred matches, he decided to leave the Red Devil behind. Rudi Garcia offered no route back to the national team, making the transfer to the United Arab Emirates seem logical.

Statistics and first impressions

‘I have fulfilled my dream by playing in the Premier League. That was always my goal,’ Benteke told Gulf News. ‘After that I wanted to find a new challenge and seize it with both hands.’

He praises life in Abu Dhabi as fantastic. ‘I already knew Dubai, because my children lived here for a while, but Abu Dhabi is very different. It is extremely peaceful there and that lifestyle fits me perfectly,’ the striker said.

Benteke admitted that the level of the Emirati Pro League surprised him. ‘There are many good players around here. The heat also makes it tough, but the quality of the football is good.’ He added with a laugh that he does not miss the English weather.

In all competitions he has so far scored four goals in nine matches for Al‑Wahda. Three of those strikes came in his last two league duels, promising a bright start.