“He is one of the reasons I didn’t bring another striker in when we sold Edin Dzeko. He deserves that chance,” Pellegrini revealed. “He is a very important player for us. He is just 18 and started working with our squad last season, but he was unlucky and had a big injury in the last three months of the season.
The City manager said it was crucial Iheanacho took his chance when he came on. “I told him to go and score a goal. I was going to make the substitution before because Bony had only worked the last few days with the team, but he told me he was okay. That’s why I kept him on, but Kelechi deserved more minutes. It was important he took that chance,” he said.
On his part, Iheanacho expressed gratitude to Pellegrini for giving him a chance on Saturday. “It (the goal) means so much to me,” said the 18-yearold forward. “I am happy and very grateful, and I thank the manager for introducing me. “I will try to do my best always in training and in games, if I am introduced. I am hoping to do great for the team. It’s not easy. We have great players here, but I have to keep working hard,” added Iheanacho.
