Many People Wrote Me Off- Kelechi Iheanacho

Red-hot Nigerian striker, Kelechi Iheanacho, has reflected on his early days at Leicester City which saw him struggle to live up to expectations and how critics wrote him off. The 24-year-old joined Leicester from Manchester City in 2017 in a deal worth £25 million, but he failed to replicate his form at City and had questions surrounding his future with the Foxes. Iheanacho lost his place in the Leicester squad and was omitted from the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Super Eagles squad.

However, Senior Man Kelz as he is fondly called by Nigerian fans, has regained his form and overtaken Jamie Vardy as Leicester’s highest goal scorer this season with 18 goals out of 36 appearances so far and is keen on working hard to give more.

Recounting on his poor form days to BBC Sport Africa, Iheanacho revealed that many people wrote him off, but he kept believing in himself. He also thanked Rodgers, the Leicester staff, and his Nigerian teammate, Wilfred Ndidi, for standing by him through struggling times.

I think a lot of people wrote me off, but I never lost faith in myself. I was going through a crazy and difficult time when things just didn’t work out for me. But I’ve worked extremely hard, and also have the manager and other staff at Leicester, and most importantly my brother and friend Wilfred [Ndidi] who stood by me. It’s been a really tough ride, but I’m just delighted it’s all come together for me

Kelechi Iheanacho

Commenting further, Iheanacho disclosed that he is not surprised at praises heaped on him now, and is focused on improving and doing great for club and country.

It was truly a bad patch and we all know that some people are always too quick to judge. To hear some people come out now and start saying positive things again is only normal but I don’t even bother. I only have to prove to myself that I can do this consistently, continue to grow, help my club and country when I get the chance to play. We have a lot ahead of us. It’s that time of the season where you want to fight for everything in front of you and not get carried away

Iheanacho

On Saturday, May 15, Leicester City will confront Chelsea in the final of the English FA Cup and Iheanacho is expected to lead the attack at Wembley.
Source

BBC Sport Africa

Featured Image Source: Sporting Life