Why I joined Middlesbrough – Kelechi Iheanacho 

Soccer

Super Eagles striker, Promise Kelechi Iheanacho, has revealed why he chose to move to Middlesbrough during the January transfer window, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 28-year-old striker moved to Spain last summer after an eleven-year stay in England where he played for Manchester City and Leicester City.

Iheanacho’s move to Sevilla didn’t work out in his favour, and in a bid to resolve his future, he chose to leave the club during the January transfer window, after just six months.

Kelechi Iheanacho of Sevilla FC warms up during the Spanish League, LaLiga EA Sports, football match played between Sevilla FC and CA Osasuna at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium on December 02, 2024 in Sevilla, Spain. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

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Amidst interest from Celtic and Olympique De Marseille, Iheanacho joined EFL Championship side, Middlesbrough, on a six-month loan till the end of the season, and he revealed why.

“Obviously, there are good coaches here and a good team. I’ve played against the club a good few times so I know it’s a really good club. I spoke to the manager and he was a really nice guy. We discussed everything from training to games and how he wants the club to move forward. It was clear that the goal is to get to the Premier League, which was good. I can’t wait to get started.”

“It was good to move away and experience a different environment. They produce a great atmosphere there and it’s another great club. I loved my experience there, it’s a great team. I’m here now though, and focused on what I can achieve here,” the former Leicester City man said in quotes revealed by Teesside Live.

(L-R) Enzo Perez of Argentina, and Kelechi Iheanacho of Nigeria during the 2018 FIFA World Cup WM Weltmeisterschaft Fussball Russia group D match between Nigeria and Argentina at the Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 26, 2018 in Russia. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

Additionally, Iheanacho was relieved to be back in England, the country where he made a name for himself, winning the English Community Shield, FA Cup, and the EFL Championship.

 “It was good to move away and experience a different environment. They produce a great atmosphere there and it’s another great club. I loved my experience there, it’s a great team. I’m here now though, and focused on what I can achieve here.

“England feels like home now and I’m buzzing to get started. I had the experience of the Championship with Leicester last season and it was obviously a good one. I played against Middlesbrough as well, but didn’t manage to score! But I’ve played in the league and know how it is.”

Aston Villa v Leicester City – Villa Park, Birmingham, Britain – February 4, 2023
Leicester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho celebrates scoring their second goal. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

“I think that will help me get started right away. I’m feeling ready to go. I’m not big on setting targets, but collectively, as a team, it is to get back to the Premier League. Obviously, it’s one step at a time, but hopefully we get there. We’ve got a good group of lads here, a good team, and hopefully, we can work together to achieve that goal,” the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup winner concluded.

Iheanacho could make his debut for Middlesbrough this evening when they travel to face Sheffield United in the EFL Championship.

Soccer Adefolahan Guerreiro


Adefolahan Guerreiro

Adefolahan is a multilingual journalist and writer at Soccernet Nigeria.

With a track record of involvement in College sports, Adefolahan is focused on crafting engaging football content and utilising his language skills and extensive sports knowledge to enhance content accessibility for a global audience.

He has interviewed Nigerian stars like Finidi George, Junior Lokosa, and Abraham Onahi Ogbu.

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