Christian Benitez

Monday 29 July 2013 17:56, UK

Image: Christian Benitez was born in Quito, May 1st 1986. The son of former Ecuador international footballer Ermen Benitez.
Image: He earned a place in the Ecuador national team after being acknowledged with the 'Best Player in Ecuadorian Serie A' award in 2006.
Image: A move to Mexican side Santos Laguna in 2007 followed and a year later he helped them win the league title by contributing 10 goals.
Image: In June 2009, Benitez joined Alex McLeish's Birmingham City on loan and scored goals against Liverpool and Everton.
Image: After returning to Santos for another successful season, Benitez then signed for America in May 2011 for $10m, a record fee for a Mexican club.
Image: Benitez always played number 11 and has a tattoo which honours his two children (twins) Roger and Emily.
Image: Here Benitez celebrates scoring against Peru during the 2014 World Cup qualifier match. In total he scored 24 goals for Ecuador in 58 appearances.
Image: The striker attempts to tackle Lionel Messi during Ecuador's World Cup qualifier against Argentina.
Image: 'Chucho' enjoyed his time in Mexico, twice Liga MX Best Player and four times Golden Boot winner.
Image: In his last game for America, he scored the second goal in a penalty shootout which helped them win the Liga MX 2013 Clausura.
Image: In July 2013, Benitez signs for El Jaish but suffers a cardiorespiratory arrest after being admitted to hospital with stomach pains following his debut.

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