Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke has insisted that he will "give back" to the club and his teammates after signing a new contract at the Midlands outfit.

It was expected that the 22-year-old would leave Villa Park this summer after submitting a transfer request, reportedly alerting the likes of Tottenham Hotspur.

Despite the speculation, Benteke has signed a contract extension running until 2017.

"I spoke with the manager (Paul Lambert) when I returned to training and we had a good talk," Benteke told the club's official website. "I am very happy to be back here in Birmingham and at Aston Villa, and to sign a new contract. This is a great club and it has given me a lot.

"Now I have to give back to my teammates and the fans who have always been right behind me. The end of last season was very good and the lads were very strong. It was not easy but we came through it and the confidence is high. So everyone knows what we have to do now - be better. I need to be better than last year."

Benteke moved to Villa Park from Genk last summer.