Benjani snubs Blackburn http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Rovers-c40385 to returns to Championship side Portsmouth
Benjani, the 33-year-old striker, has left Blackburn Rovers and rejoined Portsmouth after running out of contract with Steve Kean’s side. While Blackburn tried desperately to convince Benjani to extend his contract, but the Zimbabwean forward left Ewood
Park in the summer transfer window.
Benjani was presented to the Portsmouth fans ahead of the clash against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Brighton-c38685 & Hove Albion in the Championship over the weekend. The reception he was given at Fratton Park was amazing and the striker revealed he was pleased to be back.
Benjani played for Portsmouth from January of 2006 to January of 2008 and despite a short stay at the club, became a fan favourite. The former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Zimbabwe-c3045 international said he was happy to be back and was flattered by the welcome the fans gave him.
Benjani said while speaking to reporters:
“It's great to be back. I love the Pompey fans and I've been thinking of them ever since I've been away.
They always make you feel good. If you are down then they lift you up, so it's good to be back.
Benjani continued:
“I found out that Pompey wanted me on Thursday and we did the deal on Friday - I didn't have to think about it for a second because I knew I would be coming home.”
Benjani was signed at Portsmouth by then boss Harry Redknapp, and wasted no time in making an impact at the club. He became the top goal scorer in the Premier League for a while after a successful spell at Fratton Park.
He made a total of 77 appearances for Portsmouth in all competitions and scored 19 goals before he made a £3.87 million move to Manchester City. The deal included further payments, depending on his success at the Eastlands.
However, he failed to establish himself in the first team and only made 31 appearances in all competitions until the January transfer window of 2010, when he was loaned out to Sunderland for the remainder of the season.
When it became clear Manchester City no longer required his services and Sunderland refused to sign him on a more permanent basis, the striker left the club and signed with Blackburn Rovers on a one year deal.
After 21 appearances and 3 goals, Benjani was offered a contract extension with the club, but the striker refused and parted ways with the club. He once again returns to Portsmouth, where he hopes to make a difference and help the club to the top flight
football.
The striker said:
“My level of fitness still needs to improve but I'm looking forward to getting out on the pitch and playing again. The aim for me is to score goals for Pompey and help them climb the table.”
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