Christian Benitez reflects on the car crash that overshadowed his early Birmingham City

Feb 8 2010 by Andy Walker, Sunday Mercury

“My father is a role model to me. He taught me a lot, I learned a lot from him in many aspects, especially in football and he still helps me, even though we are far away.”

After his mind was put at ease following his father’s recovery, Benitez went on to become a member of Alex McLeish’s unstoppable XI that became known as the ‘unbeatables’.

With three goals to his name, two in the league and one on the FA Cup, the Ecuador forward will be looking to add to that tally when local rivals Wolves come to town.

Anfield, the DW Stadium and Goodison Park have all turned out to be fruitful plains for Benitez, but St Andrew’s remains a barren land for the goal-getter.

“It is quite frustrating that I haven’t scored at St Andrew’s, but I get out there and do my best on the field and hopefully I will score at home eventually, I’ve just got to be patient,” added the striker on loan from Mexican outfit Santos Laguna. “Hopefully it will be against Wolves this weekend.

“The classics (derbies) they have in my city back home or in Mexico are big affairs, they are here too in Birmingham.

“I hope that we will be able to give pleasure to the Birmingham fans.

“It’s just another game for the players.

“Hopefully everything will go alright and we’ll have a happy result on Sunday, so it won’t be a problem.”

As for his future at St Andrew’s, Blues boss McLeish has confirmed that a decision will be made in May.

And Big Eck’s latest praise suggests that the Scotsman is considering extending his time in England.

McLeish said: “I like him, he’s not been prolific but his assists have been tremendous and he looks dangerous.”

Benitez, who was being interviewed with the help of a translator, is still struggling to grasp the English language.

However, Spanish-speaking Gregory Vignal, coupled with the arrival of Michel from La Liga side Sporting Gijon, allows him the chance to express himself in his mother tongue when needed.

Compatriot Giovanny Espinoza, who arrived with Benitez during the summer, has now been released to find first-team football with Chilean-outfit Union Espanola.

“It would have been nice if Gio had been able to play the games,” continued Benitez.

“But obviously he had to think of his future. He wanted to play here in the first-team but he wasn’t able to, so he went.”

Yet one thing is clear, and that is Benitez is enjoying his adventure on these shores after admitting that he’s loving life in Britain’s Second City.

“I certainly enjoy being here and playing for Birmingham.

“Whatever happens in May will happen, I don’t know what it will be. But I certainly enjoy being here. The people of Birmingham have received me well and I want to concentrate on this season.”