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Cape Town - Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew has revealed his delight at signing former Liverpool striker Christian Benteke.
The Belgium international was seen as surplus to requirements by Reds boss Jurgen Klopp and did not feature in either of Liverpool's opening league games of the seasonb.
But Pardew is a huge admirer of the talented 25-year-old who had an excellent record at Aston Villa during his time there as he scored 42 times in just 89 appearances.
Speaking after confirming the capture of the striker for a record fee of £27m plus add-ons, on a four-year contract, the Palace boss said: "It's great news for us, a big signing for the club and he is a good character and an iconic figurehead for us.
"We lack goals and some firepower and I would think Christian's arrival will enhance every player within the squad.
"There's one thing that's always impressed me about him, he gets the sort of goals you would expect, but now and then he just pulls a rabbit out of the hat with a goal."
He added: "The board have been tremendously supportive in knowing that we've got to address the issue, we're not scoring enough goals.
"It was evident at the back end of last year, and it's evident in the first two games.
"People are talking about our run in this calendar year, but that's what we're addressing."
Benteke became the Eagles' fourth signing of the summer after Andros Townsend, James Tomkins and Steve Mandanda.
After signing with the club, Benteke said: "I'm very happy to commit my future to Crystal Palace.
"I feel really happy that the deal has been done and now I can look forward because it's been going on for a long time, but now I think everything is going to be OK."
