Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho dedicated his hat-trick vs Sheffield United to mothers around the world – despite tragically losing his own at the age of 14.
Iheanacho dominated for Leicester as they ran out comfortable 5-0 winners at the King Power Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The Nigerian international spoke to Sky Sports following the game and gave a special shoutout to mothers on Mother’s Day.
He begun: “I don’t know how to express this, but I’m over the moon and delighted. I thank God almighty for this day because I’ve been waiting for this day to come.
“I’ve been working really hard and I’m really grateful to God. I thank my teammates and my manager for helping me grow. I thank everyone in the club for helping me out and I’m happy for this day.
“I’m going to use this opportunity to dedicate this hat-trick to all the mothers in the world. The ones who keep taking care of us. I wish them all a happy Mother’s Day.”
Iheanacho’s mother, Mercy, died back in 2013 after a battle with illness.
He explained back in 2015 while a Manchester City player per Daily Mail: “My father (James) was a trader and my mum was a teacher, but she was laid to rest a few years ago which was really hard for all of us.
“I have two brothers and a sister back in Nigeria as well. Everything I do, I do for my mum and my family – that’s what drives me.
“My dad is back home and I’m living on my own in Manchester city
“But I think a lot of kids back home have been encouraged by what’s happened to me and by where I am today.
“They can’t believe what I’ve achieved at 19 and it gives them belief that they can make it too.”
Iheanacho opened the scoring in the 39th minute before Ayoze Perez doubled Leicester’s lead in the 64th.
Five minutes later, Iheanacho had scored his second and by the 78th minute he’d sealed a hat-trick with a lovely strike from outside the area.
An Ethan Ampadu own goal capped off a stunning victory for Brendan Rodgers’ side, who temporarily moved up to second in the Premier League.
It wasn’t a positive result for Sheffield United however, who parted company with manager Chris Wilder earlier this week.
Paul Heckingbottom will be in charge until the end of the season and the club are 14 points from safety.