Iheanacho Reveals Why He Left Sevilla for Celtic: ‘I’m Here to Win Trophies’

‍Kelechi Iheanacho has opened up on his decision to leave Sevilla and join Celtic, citing his hunger for silverware and a reunion with familiar faces as key reasons behind the move.

The Nigerian international signed a three-year deal with Sevilla last summer after leaving Leicester City, but his spell in Spain didn’t go as planned. Iheanacho failed to score a single league goal in La Liga and was loaned to Middlesbrough in February, where he contributed one goal and two assists in the Championship.

After a mixed spell at Boro and a terminated contract in Spain, the 28-year-old has now completed a free transfer to Celtic — and he’s buzzing for a fresh start.

“I’m excited to be a Celtic player,” Iheanacho told Celtic’s official website.
“Celtic is a massive club and I’ve been following them for a long time. I’m looking forward to fighting for silverware again — I’ve done that in England, and I believe I can do it here too.”

Iheanacho’s move also reunites him with Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers, who coached him at Leicester, and former teammate Kasper Schmeichel.

“Brendan is a great man and a fantastic coach. I’m really happy to work with him again — he knows me, and he knows what I can offer,” he added.
“When I was at Leicester, I used to sit next to Kasper in the dressing room. It’s been a while, but I’m looking forward to linking up with him again.”

The former Manchester City striker also recalled the electric atmosphere at Celtic Park during his time on the bench for City in a UEFA Champions League match in 2016.

“It was a cold night, but the fans were unbelievable. I’ve never forgotten that. I can’t wait to be on the pitch this time, playing for them.”

Iheanacho joins a Celtic squad that recently lost Kyogo Furuhashi (sold in January) and Adam Idah (departed on Monday), and is expected to play a leading role up front.

With a UEFA Champions League campaign ahead and domestic trophies to chase, the Super Eagles forward is eager to help write a new chapter in Glasgow.

“I’ll always give my best for the fans. I’m confident I can bring a lot to the team and I’m ready to get started.”