Kelechi Iheanacho says the lure of silverware and the chance to reunite with Brendan Rodgers convinced him to join Celtic after ending his contract with Sevilla.
The 28-year-old Nigerian forward spent two years with Manchester City at the start of his professional career, and picked up a League Cup winner’s medal during his time at the Etihad.
He then joined Leicester City and would go on to make over 200 appearances there. In his time at Leicester, he worked under Brendan Rodgers and was an FA Cup winner in 2021.
Iheanacho signed for the Scottish champions this week, said he had followed the club for years and was eager to embrace the challenge.
“I’m excited to be a Celtic player and I’m feeling really good about it,” Iheanacho told Celtic’s website. “Celtic is a massive club and I’ve been following them for a long time. I’m happy to be a part of that now and hopefully it’ll be a great season.”
Iheanacho will hope to get more game time so he can get back into the Super Eagles roster for the AFCON in December. Photo Credit: Getty Images
The 28-year-old endured a difficult spell in Sevilla and is determined to rediscover his best form in Glasgow.
“I’m looking forward to fighting for silverware with Celtic. In England, I won trophies so hopefully I can be a winner with Celtic as well,” he said.
“I can’t wait to be a part of all of it and I’m very confident that I can bring a lot to the team.”
Senior man Kelz contract with Sevilla was mutually terminated on deadline day. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Iheanacho’s arrival also sees him link up again with Rodgers, under whom he enjoyed his best scoring season at Leicester City.
“I’m really happy to be working with Brendan again,” he added. “He’s a great man and a great coach with a good personality, and I’m happy to be playing under him again. The gaffer knows me and he knows what I can offer, so I just can’t wait to get going.”
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The forward is also relishing the chance to reconnect with his former Leicester teammate, goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.
“When I was at Leicester, I used to sit next to Kasper in the changing room, so I’ll be happy to see him again. It’s been a long time, so I’m looking forward to speaking to him again.”
Iheanacho didn’t make it off the bench in 2016. Photo Credit: Getty Images
And he insists he cannot wait to experience Celtic Park as a home player after a brief taste of the atmosphere with Manchester City in 2016.
“I was on the bench for Manchester City at Celtic Park back in 2016. It was a cold night but it was such a massive atmosphere, The Celtic fans are incredible and I can’t wait to play for them now.
“I’ll always give my best for the fans. I can’t wait to share good times with them and play good football.”
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He has racked up 59 international caps for Nigeria and was dropped from the Super Eagles squad for the September international window.
