Revealed : Columbus Crew Nurtured Man City Starlet Iheanacho Into A Wonderkid

Major League Soccer outfit Columbus Crew have revealed that they were instrumental in the development of Manchester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho.

The Nigerian talent had trained with the Ohio-based club in 2014 as he awaited his work permit, and impressed in a scrimmage, netting a hat-trick against Dayton on September 3.

Talks of a move to Columbus Crew were not realistic because Iheanacho commanded relatively high wages even at that time.

“I think that we helped him. This level helped him get acclimated to what men’s soccer is about,” said coach Gregg Berhalter to dispatch.com.

“He came from youth soccer and he did well, but we pushed him. It was an enjoyable time when he was here and it’s nice to see that he’s doing well.”

Berhalter is delighted that his former pupil may start Saturday afternoon’s Premier League tie against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : mancity.com