Sevilla’s latest acquisition, Kelechi Iheanacho has revealed his excitement after joining up with the La Liga side on a two year deal with the option of another, confessing that he’s going to embrace the opportunity and give his club his all.
The Super Eagles forward made the switch after running down his contracts with newly promoted Leicester City, a club he jined in 2017 from Manchester City as he was part of the team that was relegated in the 202/23 season but the return was swift under Enzo Maresca as they won the Championship to pick an EPL return ticket.
“I’m very happy to come to Sevilla . The last 24 hours have been stressful, but I needed to do things quickly. I’m very excited and happy to come to this club. I’m happy,” he spoke to the club media after signing his contract papers.
Joining up with another Nigerian in Chidera Ejuke to become one of the first two Nigerian players in the club’s history: “I think it will bring good luck to this team. It’s the first time we have a Nigerian in the team, let’s hope it’s a good look for the team.
We will do our best for the club and for the fans . To help the team achieve great success this season. We are happy to be here. I know the Nigerians are happy too, so let’s hope we enjoy it and that it’s a good one.”
Holding Sevilla FC as the main option within the offers received, he admitted, “Yes, there were offers from many clubs . But yes, obviously, there was a clear idea of what they want me to do here and why they bring me here in football terms. I was very clear about coming here. I am going to take advantage and give it my all, I hope it is a great opportunity .”
“Last season was a mix of emotions. I played that first part of the season and didn’t get a chance in the second. The most important thing as a team was that we won the trophy”.
“We were a good group and we did it for all of us and for Leicester City. That was the most important thing. It’s a good football club and a good family. It was great to end with a smile and a trophy,” he continued about his time in England”.
On his adaptation to the team dynamic, Kelechi Iheanacho assured that he would soon be 100% fit: ” I have had the opportunity to do personal training with a coach in pre-season . That also helps me stay fit. I’m not far from being 100% fit. Hopefully, I’ll join them soon and then build up the rest of my fitness. I hope to be ready to play the first game”.
Highly popular to Nigerian fans as “Senior Man”, the striker has amassed 19 appearances in European competition, including seven Champions League matches, eleven in the Europa League, and one in the Conference League.
At the international level, he has capped 55 times for his country, scoring 19 goals. His career highlight is undoubtedly the U-17 World Cup triumph in 2017.