Home town backing for Iheanacho’s new City deal

Kelechi Iheanacho says the whole of Nigeria is behind him after he signed a new Manchester City contract ahead of this weekend’s clash with Stoke City.

Iheanacho did not appear for Pep Guardiola’s side as they trounced Steaua Bucharest 5-0 but emerged from the bench late on in their Premier League opener against Sunderland.

Stoke City lie in wait for City on Saturday, with Iheanacho having shone against Mark Hughes’ side last year, scoring two second-half goals and earning a penalty that Segio Aguero converted.

The 19-year-old striker scored 14 times for City last season – despite appearing predominantly as a substitute – and he has been rewarded by Guardiola with an improved contract that will see him remain at the Etihad Stadium until 2021.

(Photo by Power Sport Images/Getty Images)

“It’s is a really long way away, 2021, so we don’t know what we will achieve but we hope for better things to come. We’ll just wait and see and expect good things,” Iheanacho said.

“I can’t express how I’m feeling! I’m very happy to sign my new deal for this club. I’m excited.

“My family are so happy and it is going to change their lives I think. In my state and my country, people will be so happy as well.

“I’m pleased and they will be pleased for me for working well to get here.”