Idman.biz
"I did my best to be successful in Azerbaijan. Unfortunately, everything didn't turn out as I expected and hoped for."
This was stated by former "Shamakhi" striker Jonathan Benteke in an interview with futbolinfo.az.
We present the interview.
– How are you doing? Are you currently working in football, or are you engaged in something else?
– Everything is fine. No, I'm not in football. The last game I played with "Shamakhi" was also the last match of my career. After leaving "Shamakhi," I didn't play football and ended my career. I am currently focused on our personal and family businesses; we have opened a confectionery store.
– Why did your football career in Azerbaijan last only six months?
– I did my best to be successful in Azerbaijan. Unfortunately, everything didn't turn out as I expected and hoped for. This has nothing to do with "Shamakhi" or Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan is a very beautiful country. It's just that after six months, the club wanted me to leave, and I left.
– Were there any clubs interested in you or sending offers at the time you left "Shamakhi" or after?
– I received offers from various places, but none of them interested me enough compared to my businesses. That's why I preferred to focus my attention on business.
– Are you following "Shamakhi"'s performance this season? Your former team managed to beat "Qarabagh" 2:1 in the first leg of the 1/4 finals of the Azerbaijan Cup…
– I didn't know that. I don't follow "Shamakhi" or football in general. I only keep an eye on my brother Christian Benteke's career.
– With which of the football players you played with in "Shamakhi" do you still have contact and communication?
– I have a good relationship with Leroy Mikels and Brahim Konate. Both of them are close friends of mine and very good people.
– What did you like and dislike about the Azerbaijani championship?
– I think the Azerbaijan Premier League is a good league that will develop even more in the future. People have personally asked me about your championship. I have advised interested players to go to Azerbaijan and show themselves.
