NEW BHOY Kelechi Iheanacho is looking forward to sharing “good times” with the Celtic fans after his late, late arrival.
The Nigerian international striker signed a one-year deal with a 12-month option on UEFA deadline day as a free agent after leaving Sevilla on Monday.
Iheanacho was delighted to be reunited with his former Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers and his King Power team-mate Kasper Schmeichel.
The 28-year-old former £20million hitman said: “I’m really happy to be working with Brendan again. He’s a great man and a great coach with a good personality.
“The gaffer knows me and he knows what I can offer, so I just can’t wait to get going.
SILENT CELTS…the visiting fans don’t join in with Kelechi Iheanacho’s celebrations after his equalising goal in Manchester City’s 1-1 draw with the Hoops at The Etihad in 2016. Now the frontman is eager to give the supporters something to celebrate.
“When I was at Leicester, I used to sit next to Kasper in the changing room, so I’ll be happy to see him again. It’s been a long time, so I’m looking forward to speaking to him.
“I was on the bench for Manchester City at Celtic Park back in 2016. It was a cold night, but it was such a massive atmosphere!
“The Celtic fans are incredible and I can’t wait to play for them now. I’ll always give my best for the fans.
“I can’t wait to share good times with them and play good football.”
Iheanacho was an unused substitute on the December evening the Hoops and Pep Guardiola’s men shared six goals in a thrilling Champions League encounter under the lights in the east end of Glasgow.
However, he started the return and scored past Craig Gordon to nullify Patrick Robert’s early opener for the visitors as the game ended all-square at 1-1.
Iheanacho, speaking to the club website, added: “I’m excited to be a Celtic player and I’m feeling really good about it. Celtic is a massive club and I’ve been following them for a long time.
“I’m happy to be a part of that now and, hopefully, it’ll be a great season.
WEMBLEY JOY…Kasper Schmeichel and skipper Wes Morgan lead off the Leicester City celebrations after the 2021 FA Cup Final win over Chelsea.
“I’m looking forward to fighting for silverware with Celtic. In England, I won trophies, so I hope I can be a winner with Celtic, as well.
“I can’t wait to be a part of all of it and I’m very confident that I can bring a lot to the team.”
Iheanacho, who cost Leicester City £20million when they lured him from The Etihad in 2017, won an English FA Cup medal along with Schmeichel in the 1-0 win over Chelsea at Wembley when Rodgers was in charge in May 2021.
He’s looking to add to his silverware collection after a frustrating period at the La Liga club and Middlesbrough, where he had a loan period last season and scored one goal in 14 appearances.
Iheanacho has some catching up to do with his good friend Schmeichel who won a Premiership and League Cup medal in his debut campaign.
