Iheanacho points to supportive environment after Leicester contract extension
After agreeing a new deal to 2024, striker Kelechi Iheanacho spoke of the support he has received from his Leicester City team-mates and the Football Club’s backroom staff.
Having scooped March’s EA SPORTS Premier League Player of the Month accolade, Iheanacho committed his future to the Foxes following a rich vein of form in recent weeks.
The Nigeria international has scored seven goals in his previous four City appearances in all competitions, and was naturally thrilled to put pen to paper on a new contract.
More from @67Kelechi on #Kelechi2024! 💬https://t.co/3l8D47rhuX
— Leicester City (@LCFC) April 3, 2021
“I can’t express how I’m feeling,” Iheanacho told LCFC TV via video call. “I’m excited, I’m happy, I’m overwhelmed! It’s a great moment and I’m happy that Leicester City gave me a new contract.
“It’s been a great time here. It’s not been easy, but there’s a lot of people here that are good people, great people to work with. They are nice people and they make me feel comfortable and welcome since I came in.
“It’s been really great being here. It’s like a family. I’m happy being here and hopefully I can stay here many more years.”
A stand-out characteristic of the Foxes squad is the togetherness they have harnessed as a group, and Iheanacho believes that tight-knit atmosphere makes Leicester City a rewarding place to be.
“The squad is really close,” he said. “Everyone is good with everyone, and we do a lot of things together. We have fun together, we play against each other, we chat together not only about football but our families as well.
“It’s really good to have that in a team. It will help you perform well on the pitch when you know everyone is like a family. You let everyone know what’s going on with you, and they let you know what’s going on with them. It’s really fun being here.”
“Personally, for me, I think I owe him a lot and most importantly, to perform every time I’m on the pitch as well and to be ready to work with him in training and in games.”
Since Brendan Rodgers was appointed manager of the Club in February 2019, many have thrived under his guidance, not least Iheanacho, who says he gives his all to perform well for the Northern Irishman.
The No.14 continued: “He’s been a revelation since he came to the Club and I think he’s been good to everyone. He’s been a really good manager and a good friend to everybody.
“Personally, for me, I think I owe him a lot and most importantly, to perform every time I’m on the pitch as well and to be ready to work with him in training and in games.
“I really thank him a lot for everything he’s done for me and everything he’s done for everybody in the squad. He’s really a great manager and a great person.”
When asked to select his favourite moment as a Fox to date, he spoke of his joy to help Leicester City to progress to the semi-finals of the Emirates FA Cup for the first time in 39 years.
His double against Manchester United in late March’s 3-1 success meant several generations of Leicester fans will be able to watch their side contest a last-four fixture, albeit from home, in the prestigious competition for the first time.
"I’m excited, I’m happy, I’m overwhelmed! It’s a great moment and I’m happy that Leicester City gave me a new contract." 💙 – @67Kelechi #Kelechi2024 pic.twitter.com/drAJQKSZ6H
— Leicester City (@LCFC) April 3, 2021
Read Also: BREAKING: Iheanacho pens new Leicester City contract
“It’s difficult to pick,” he said. “I wanted to choose my hat-trick [against Sheffield United], but I am going to go for the one that qualified Leicester City for the first time in many years for the FA Cup Semi-Finals.
“That has been what they have been waiting for for years, so I will take that as the best moment because the fans have been waiting for a long time. It’s a great opportunity now for us to go and see if we can do more, if we can win and get to the final.”