Benteke praises returning supporters and Chairman ahead of 21/22

Benteke, who scored the third goal in the 3-1 victory over Watford, explains that “it’s always good to be back, especially with the fans.

"I think we played well, on the ball and without the ball as well, but the main thing was to get our legs ready for the beginning of the season next week against Chelsea.

“I feel good, obviously I need more minutes, but I feel good. I'm happy to be back and I’m looking forward to this new season.”

The striker went on to reveal how Watford proved to be an acid test for the team to see where they were ahead of the clash against Chelsea next weekend.

“[Watford was] our first game against a Premier League team so we could see where we were and now we know and we know where to go.

"It’s always good to win, even though it was a friendly, it is important to win to keep the spirit high and we go again for the new season.”

Not only was Benteke happy with the win, he was also happy with Chairman Steve Parish and how he secured a new deal with him before playing for Belgium at the European Championships.

“For me I wanted to know before the Euros where I was going to play next. That’s why I had a chat with the Chairman before I went to Belgium and everything was positive so I feel happy.”

Looking ahead to the new season once more, under Patrick Vieira, the Belgian striker added that “we’ll create more chances and it will be nice for the fans to come and enjoy some nice football.

"It’s a big club, we’ve got big players, so it’s up to us now to bring everything on the pitch.”