Former Leicester City and Sevilla striker Kelechi Iheanacho has revealed why he terminated his contract in Spain to join Celtic, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Super Eagles star moved to Sevilla on a three-year deal from the King Power Stadium last summer, but his time in Spain didn’t yield any positive results.
After six months without a league goal in Seville, Iheanacho returned to the EFL Championship, signing a loan deal with Middlesbrough, with an option for a permanent transfer included.
However, the former Manchester City forward scored one goal and provided two assists with the Boro as Micheal Carrick’s team missed out on the Championship play-offs.
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Iheanacho terminated his three-year deal in Seville to seal a free transfer to Celtic a few days ago, and cited the opportunity of winning silverware as the major reason he opted for such a bold decision.
“I’m excited to be a Celtic player and I’m feeling really good about it. Celtic is a massive club and I’ve been following them for a long time,” the former Manchester City forward told Celtic’s official website.
“I’m happy to be a part of that now and hopefully it’ll be a great season.
“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.
“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.”
Iheanacho’s move to Celtic sees him not only reunite with Brendan Rodgers again, but also with Kasper Schmeichel, who was part of that successful Leicester side that won the English Premier League, FA Cup, and the FA Community Shield.
The 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup winner is looking forward to working with the pair again in Scotland, and hopes to create newer experiences of success in his time with the Hoops.
“I’m really happy to be working with Brendan again. 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.
“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.
“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,” the 28-year-old concluded.
Iheanacho’s arrival goes some way to replenishing the Celtic strike force following the sale of centre-forwards Kyogo Furuhashi in January and Adam Idah on Monday.
It is widely expected that Iheanacho will be the leading striker at Celtic as he looks to get his career back on track.