Cameron Jerome recalls fond memories of the late Christian Benitez

Stoke City striker Cameron Jerome has expressed his shock at the death of his former teammate Christian Benitez.

Jerome played alongside Benitez, who died of a reported respiratory cardiac arrest on Monday, while at Birmingham City during the 2009-10 campaign.

"That was my most enjoyable time at Blues," Jerome told the Birmingham Mail.

"I couldn't believe we didn't sign him after that season. What a bloke! It just makes you think, he is the same age as me."

Benitez died aged 27.