The Super Eagles’ Chidera, who joined Sevilla earlier this summer, will hopefully be a colleague for Kelechi Iheanacho. Iheanacho is thrilled about his transfer.
In an interview conducted after his unveiling on Thursday, the 27-year-old expressed his delight at being the first player from Nigeria to play for the Los Nervionenses. He also discussed a variety of other topics.
”Obviously, it’s the first time having Nigerians on the team, so hopefully it will bring good luck to the team, and we’ll give our best for the football club and for the fans to help the team 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. The important thing is the team and my teammates,” said the U17 World Cup winner after completing his free transfer and signing a two-year contract.
Iheanacho became a free agent after his contract with Leicester City expired in June. This left several clubs in major Europe jostling for his signature, but his mind was set on Sevilla, he buttressed in the interview on the official website of Sevilla on Friday.
“There were offers from many other clubs, but I had it very clear that I wanted to come here. 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, “said the Nigeria striker, the club’s fifth summer signing.
The former Manchester City player highlighted the role played by the club sporting director, Victor Orta, in the operation: “Victor is a great guy. He really played a big role. He’s been watching me for a long time now, and he knows the striker I am. He’s been doing a great job for the football club as well. That’s why it’s not really hard to do all this. So, yeah. So Victor is a nice human being.
“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, football-wise, environment-wise, and everything. I had it clear that I wanted to come here. I’m going to embrace it and give it my all.”
Reflecting on his final season at Leicester City, ‘Senior Man’ as Iheanacho is fondly called by Super Eagles teammates said,
“I think last season was mixed emotions. Obviously, I played that first part of the season, and obviously, I didn’t really get a chance at the second part of the season. Most importantly, as a team, we won the trophy. We were a good group together, and we did it for all of us and the football club in Leicester. I think that was the most important thing. It’s a nice football club and a good family. It was great to end it all with a smile and with a trophy.”
Iheanacho is confident about adapting quickly to his new environment and achieving full fitness to help Sevilla challenge for laurels.
“I have had the chance to do personal training with a coach. That helps my fitness as well. I’m not far off from where they are 100%, so I’m not far off. Hopefully, I’ll join them soon and then build the rest of my fitness with them. Hopefully, I’ll be ready to play the first game.
“The aims are not really personal because, obviously, I can have a target for myself, but the most important thing is the team. Together we can achieve great things this season. We just have to give 100% every game. And whatever comes out of the game, we go again, no complacency, and just keep going every single game. Hopefully, we’ll be up there at the table and go really far this season.”
