Aston Villa's Christian Benteke: 'I can handle the pressure'

Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke is adamant that he can handle the pressure of expectations going into his second season in the Premier League.

The 22-year-old scored 19 goals for Paul Lambert's side in the last campaign and was subject of much speculation this summer before penning a new deal at Villa Park.

He told Sky Sports News: "I feel good, I feel really good. I expect myself to do better than last season.

"As a striker, a lot of people are waiting for me. The fans are waiting for me. So the pressure is going to be bigger around me but this is football and I accept that.

"I can take that. I am young. I am confident. This is part of football. You have to be able to handle this pressure. This is the life I have chosen so I am happy to take this on. I love it."

Villa begin their Premier League campaign against Arsenal on August 17.