Super Eagles forward, Kelechi Iheanacho, has explained why he joined Sevilla FC despite several offers from other clubs, saying the Spanish La Liga side was always his first choice for both football and environment wise.
The Nigerian international joined Sevilla on a two-year deal with an option of a further year on a free transfer after spending the last seven seasons at Leicester City.
“I’m really happy coming to Sevilla. It’s been stressful the last 24 hours. But I needed to get things done quickly. I’m very excited and happy coming to this club.
“Yes, there were a lot of offers from a lot of clubs but there was a clear identity of what they wanted me to do here and why they brought me here and football-wise, environment and everything. I had it clear that I wanted to come here. I’m going to embrace it and give it my all,” Iheanacho said in his first interview with the club channels.
The 27-year-old striker, who began his career in his homeland, joined Manchester City January 10, 2015 following his exploits at the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup in UAE where he was named the tournament’s best player and finishing as the second-highest goalscorer as he led the side to their record fourth title.
He made 64 appearances for the City first team, scoring 21 goals and providing seven assists over the next two seasons before joining Leicester City in 2017 and went to play a total of 232 games in all competitions, scoring 61 goals and 34 assists up until the 2023/24 season.
He also spoke about linking up with fellow Nigerian, Chidera Ejuke, as they become the first Nigerian players in the club’s history: “Obviously, it’s the first-time having Nigerians in the team, so hopefully it will bring good luck, and we’ll give our best for the football club and for the fans to help the team to achieve great success this season. I think we’re happy to be here, and I know Nigerians are happy as well. So hopefully we enjoy it, and it will be a good one.”
