Iheanacho: I Will Not Leave Man City

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

Manchester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho Thursday responded to speculations linking him with a summer move to a host of clubs including Newcastle United and West Ham.

Iheanacho’s future has been mired in uncertainty after he fell down the pecking order behind Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus at the Etihad Stadium, making him a subject of a possible transfer with Newcastle touted as one of the likely destinations.

But the 20-year-old Super Eagles international, according to the Daily Star reported Thursday night, the striker had no interest in leaving Pep Guardiola’s side.

Asked about the speculation around his future, Iheanacho said: “I’m not very aware of that. I just keep working with the team and I’m still at Manchester City so I’ll meet up with the boys and kick off the season with Manchester City.
“I’m happy to stay at Manchester City and keep fighting to help them achieve what they want to achieve. Manchester City is a big team and we need to go far as a squad, so we need everybody.

“Of course everyone is competing but we compete as a team. The manager can only pick 11 players so everyone is working, doing well and going 100 percent.

“We keep working and see what comes around next season. It was a good season so I’ve really enjoyed it with my team-mates.”
Newcastle United, under Rafa Benitez have acquired Ghana international, Christian Atsu, and are rebuilding for the English Premier League campaign for the coming season by looking to reinforce their ranks with players with top flight experience.

And with Benitez keen to make the most of the loan market in his search for a new striker, Iheanacho seemed to fit the bill.
Iheanacho has struggled for playing time under Guardiola despite scoring 12 goals in 42 games, with the Spaniard preferring Aguero and Brazilian youngster, Jesus, who arrived at the club in January ahead of him.

The scheme has now been renamed VAT Wonder Goal after it was endorsed by the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) as a platform to promote tax education and engage football fans on the necessity and benefits of paying taxes to government.

Abdulwaheed scored on the 10th minute of the first half for Gombe United in their match in Enugu which though ended 2-1 in favour of Rangers International with goals from Godwin Aguda and Ebuka Okeke.

Saka’s lone strike on the 39th minute had secured all three points for Rivers United while Leonard’s long range effort in Shagamu gifted former champions, Enyimba International their first away win this season.

“The VAT Wonder Goal while seeking to reward marksmanship of the highest quality in the NPFL by celebrating eye-catching and brilliant goals is also a platform to support the Federal Government’s drive to increase revenue from the non-oil sector, especially through taxes,” the LMC stated while announcing the partnership with FIRS.

Voting will end by 11.59am on Sunday, May 27 and the player whose goal attracts the highest number of goals will receive the prize money of N150, 000 from which 50% will be donated to a Charity of his choice within the city where the club is based.

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