Iheanacho talks about his last days in Leicester and future at Sevilla

Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho has “mixed emotions” towards his final Leicester City season, he said as he begins his new chapter at Sevilla.

The Nigerian striker ended a seven-year spell at City when he departed at the end of his contract this summer. He had been linked with several of the club’s Premier League rivals, but has instead made the switch to La Liga, signing a two-year deal with Sevilla.

Iheanacho did not set the world alight in the Championship like many had hoped he would. But also, he was afforded limited opportunities to show his qualities in the second half of the campaign, making his final start for the club in the 2-1 win at West Brom in early December.

Speaking for the first time since leaving City, Iheanacho was asked how he reflects on his final year at the King Power Stadium, one of personal frustration but team success. He bears no ill will towards the club.

The 27-year-old said: “Last season was one of mixed emotions. I played the first half of the season but I didn’t really get a chance in the second part of the season. But most importantly, as a team, we won the trophy.

“We were a good group together. We did it for all of us and for the football club. That was the most important thing. It’s a nice football club and a good family. It was great to end with a smile and a trophy.”

At Sevilla, Iheanacho’s task is to fill the shoes of last season’s top scorer Youssef En-Nesyri, who has joined Jose Mourinho at Fenerbahce. He will also hope to lift his new team back towards the top half after their 14th-placed finish last term, their lowest final position since their return to Spain’s top tier more than 20 years ago.

Iheanacho finished at City with 232 appearances to his name and 61 goals, placing him 21st on the club’s all-time scorers list. With 26 goals across the FA Cup, League Cup, Europe, and Community Shield, he is the highest cup goalscorer in the club’s history.

“I’m very happy to come to Sevilla. The last 24 hours have been stressful, but I needed to do things quickly. I’m very excited and happy to come to this club”, he told an interview with the club website.

“There were offers from many clubs. But, I was very clear about coming here. Hopefully we can achieve success together. I can’t wait to get started.”