Kelechi Iheanacho Explains Why He Joined Celtic After Sevilla Terminated His Contract
- Kelechi Iheanacho is a new Celtic player after signing a one-year contract with an option for another year
- The Super Eagles forward left Sevilla by mutual termination of his contract after the summer deadline day
- Iheanacho has opened up his decision to join Celtic after he parted ways with the record Europa League winners
Kelechi Iheanacho has opened up about his decision to join Celtic after he mutually parted company with Sevilla after deadline day.
Iheanacho joined Sevilla as a free agent in the summer of 2024 after leaving Leicester City as a free agent, following seven successful seasons at the King Power Stadium.
Source: Getty Images
The move proved to be a wrong step as he struggled to settle in Andalusia and was loaned out to EFL Championship side Middlesbrough in January.
He was transfer-listed by Sevilla, but after the deadline day passed, he failed to attract suitors, and both parties agreed to mutually terminate their agreement.
Hours later, Scottish Premiership champions Celtic announced that they have signed Iheanacho on a one-year contract with an option for another year.
Why Iheanacho joined Celtic
The Super Eagles forward, during his first interview with Celtic's official website, has opened up on the reason behind his decision to join the Scottish giants.
“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,” he said.
“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, who had been at Celtic Park in 2016 during a UEFA Champions League match for Manchester City, confirmed former manager Brendan and teammate Kasper Schmeichel were crucial in his decision.
Source: Getty Images
“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,” he added.
“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.
As noted by Transfermarkt, Iheanacho scored 43 goals and provided 25 assists in 143 matches under Brendan Rodgers during their time together at Leicester City.
Celtic fans hostile towards Iheanacho
Legit.ng previously reported that Celtic fans were hostile towards Iheanacho after the club announced the signing of the Nigerian forward on social media.
The former Manchester City forward turned down the Scottish club before joining EFL Championship side Middlesbrough on loan in January.
Source: Legit.ng
