Nigerian youngster Keleci Iheanacho is hoping to be a Manchester City “great” and is counting on hard work amongst others to help him achieve his objective.
The 19-year-old has made an impressive start to life at City scoring once in four league appearances for the Citizens.
He says playing for City represents a “dream come true.”
“It’s a dream come true for me to play at this level. There is enough confidence given to me from the manager and team.
“I’m hoping to be part of the great things that happen to this team. I hope to be one of the great players - it’s my dream to be a great player in this team,” Iheanacho was quoted as saying on the club’s official website, www.mcfc.co.uk.
The former Nigeria Under-20 star added that scoring his only goal of the season so far remains one of his highlights especially as the goal helped his side amass all three points on the day.
“It was a great moment scoring at an away game (against Crystal Palace) and we needed a win.
“You can see from the celebration I was very happy,” he said.
He then took the time to praise his teammates at City who have been providing inspiration as he continues his professional football education.
“They give me confidence, many of them – Yaya (Toure), Sergio (Aguero), (David) Silva, Samir (Nasri), Gael Clichy as well - he encourages me every time to keep going, keep going, keep chasing the defenders.
“I wasn’t happy when he was injured so I’m hoping for him to recover quick to give me more confidence. I really love them and I’m happy to work with them."
He rounded off by discussing his challenges in Nigeria before he made the big move to City.
“It’s really hard over there in my country, it’s really hard in Africa.
“I started playing football when I was a kid. I love football but things that aren’t footballs, I played with as well.
“Even if I was walking in the road, I’d play with stones because I love football.
“My parents didn’t want be to play football, they wanted me to go to school and study my books but I was so stubborn.
“I represented my state and then Nigeria Under-15 and under-18s, then we represented Nigeria at the Under-17 World Cup. I couldn’t believe that.
“The head coach (Manu Garba) came he gave me confidence to play so I started playing and playing well.
“That’s how I started and my father is proud of me now. Everywhere he goes they just point at him and say look at Kelechi’s father,” he said.
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