Nigeria striker Kelechi Iheanacho has been given the green light to take part in Manchester City’s pre-season tour of China, putting his club ahead of Nigeria’s Olympic dream.
Iheanacho wanted to play for Nigeria at the Olympic Games but accepted Pep Guardiola’s decision that Manchester City want the striker available for the start of the season.
According to the UK Guardian, “It is understood Iheanacho is now aware Guardiola does not want him to represent Nigeria and has accepted this.”
Despite reports Iheanacho would not be able to travel to Asia due to visa issues, the highly-rated 19-year-old was named in City’s squad on Wednesday.
Iheanacho will now have a chance to impress new City manager Pep Guardiola in the club’s two glamour friendlies against Manchester United in Beijing on Monday and Borussia Dortmund in Shenzen the following Thursday.
England internationals Joe Hart and Raheem Sterling were also in a 34-man group, as were new signings Oleksandr Zinchenko and Nolito, star striker Sergio Aguero and key midfielder David Silva.
Pablo Zabaleta makes his return from injury and captain Vincent Kompany will also be present.
Ilkay Gundogan, another pre-season recruit, was not included due to injury, while Kevin de Bruyne, Eliaquim Mangala and Bacary Sagna remain on leave following their involvement at Euro 2016.
Former Bayern Munich boss Guardiola will also have the opportunity to take a closer look at emerging talents Tosin Adarabioyo, Bersant Celina, Manu Garcia and Aleix Garcia, who are among 10 City youngsters on the trip.
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