Christian Benteke opens up on Liverpool plans: I’ll leave if Jurgen Klopp doesn’t play me

LIVERPOOL striker Christian Benteke is ready to leave Anfield - but only if he is not part of Jurgen Klopp’s plans.

The 25-year-old endured a difficult debut campaign on Merseyside, despite making 42 appearances in all competitions.

After signing from Aston Villa in a £32.5million deal, he netted just 10 goals and his comptriot Divock Origi was preferred during Daniel Sturridge’s injury absence.

And now the Belgium international has spoken out about his future plans as he builds up to Euro 2016.

"At 25 years old, I'm neither old nor young but it's important to play," said Benteke at a press conference.

"I still have a contract at Liverpool and I'd like to stay there, if I remain in the coach's plans.

"If that's not the case, it will become difficult to stay. I'll think about if after the Euros."

Benteke was also keen to reflect on his first season at Liverpool.

"I was prepared for what I went through," he said. 

"I knew that if I had mixed performances I would be criticised. That's what happened.

"When he [Klopp] arrived, I saw that I wasn't in his plans. That was frustrating because I knew that during my first season at Aston Villa he wanted me.

"But we had several discussions together -- I respect and I understand his decisions."

Klopp is thought to be mulling over a move for Jamie Vardy and Benteke may have his future decided for him if the Reds boss needs to free up funds to snare the Leicester star ahead of Arsenal.

Christian Benteke admits it may be "difficult to stay" at Liverpool this summer

The Belgian striker started just eight games under Klopp and admits he may have to depart if he is not in his manager's plans.

Christian Benteke has admitted he may have to consider his future at Liverpool this summer.

The striker moved to Anfield from Aston Villa for £32.5m last summer but struggled to make an impact on Merseyside.

The arrival of Jurgen Klopp hardly helped Benteke's chances with the Belgian starting just eight games under the new Liverpool boss.

He has been tipped to exit this summer with West Ham reportedly keen while Chelsea has also emerged as a possible destination.

And while he would like to stay at Anfield, Benteke concedes he may look for a move away if things don't change.

Benteke endured a tough first season on Merseyside

"At 25 years old, I'm neither old nor young but it's important to play," he said at Belgium's news conference ahead of Euro 2016.

"I still have a contract at Liverpool and I'd like to stay there, if I remain in the coach's plans.

"If that's not the case, it will become difficult to stay. I'll think about if after the Euros."

Christian Benteke during training ahead of Euro 2016

Benteke managed just 10 goals for the Reds last term with Divock Origi and Daniel Sturridge ahead of him in the pecking order.

He added: "I knew that if I had mixed performances I would be criticised. That's what happened.

"When he [Klopp] arrived, I saw that I wasn't in his plans. That was frustrating because I knew that during my first season at Aston Villa he wanted me.

"But we had several discussions together. I respect and I understand his decisions."