Kelechi Iheanacho has revealed that the reason behind his wonderful rise to prominence over the years has been down to his stubbornness.

Iheanacho is considered as one of the finest young talents present in the current Manchester City squad and his meteoric rise from the rough environment in his home country of Nigeria in Africa to becoming such a highly rated player has been a wonderful tale.

The 19-year-old has now stated that things were very difficult for him back home and revealed that his stubbornness of wanting to play football against his parents' wish finally led to his dream move to City.

The striker told the Manchester Evening News: "It's really hard over there in my country, it's really hard in Africa. I started playing football when I was a kid. I love football but things that aren't footballs, I played with as well. Even if I was walking in the road, I'd play with stones because I love football.

"My parents didn't want be to play football, they wanted me to go to school and study my books but I was so stubborn.

"I represented my state and then Nigeria Under-15 and under-18s, then we represented Nigeria at the Under-17 World Cup. I couldn't believe that. The head coach came he gave me confidence to play so I started playing and playing well.

"That's how I started and my father is proud of me now. Everywhere he goes they just point at him and say look at Kelechi's father."