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Why Middlesbrough loan move appealed to Celtic transfer target Kelechi Iheanacho

Middlesbrough signing Kelechi Iheanacho <i>(Image: Richard Sellers)</i>
Middlesbrough signing Kelechi Iheanacho (Image: Richard Sellers)

KELECHI Iheanacho says he feels like he's back "home" after returning to England - and wants to use his Leicester City experience to help Middlesbrough in the Championship promotion race.

Iheanacho featured in half of Leicester's Championship games last season as the Foxes won the title and immediate promotion back to the Premier League.

The striker then left the club for Sevilla but endured a frustrating time in Spain and is delighted to back in the UK 10 years after the Nigerian international first joined Manchester City.

The 28-year-old was in-demand in January, with Celtic keen on the striker and Leeds having also shown an interest. But the Boro move appealed to Iheanacho and he liked what he heard when he spoke to boss Michael Carrick.

“I’m really excited to be here," said the striker.

"It’s a lovely place and I already feel so welcome by everyone, so I’m really happy. It all came about really quickly and moved pretty fast, and I’m just buzzing to be here.

"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."

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Iheanacho only made nine La Liga appearances for Sevilla in the first half of the season but says he still enjoyed his first experience of Spanish football.

But the striker feels at home in the English game and is thrilled to be back.

He told the club website: “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 have 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. 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, good team, and hopefully we can work together to achieve that goal.”