Ex-Man City star admits Liverpool regret as fans react

The former Manchester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho has publicly admitted he "must have done something wrong" to upset Liverpool fans, breaking years of silence over a decade-old controversy. Speaking exclusively to *The Northern Echo*, Iheanacho, 28, confessed his actions during his 2015-2017 stint at Liverpool still haunt him, particularly after his error led to a 2-1 defeat against Arsenal in May 2017. "I replay that moment in my head sometimes," he said. "I know I made a mistake, but I never meant to hurt anyone. I just wish things had been different."

His admission has reignited a firestorm of reactions from Liverpool supporters, many of whom still harbor bitter memories of his tenure. Iheanacho, who joined City in 2017 for a reported £25 million, left Anfield amid a wave of criticism, with fans accusing him of lacking the mental toughness required for big games. "This isn’t just about one moment," said Liverpool fan and historian Mark Hughes, 42, from Merseyside. "It’s about a pattern. He was never the player we needed when it mattered most."

The controversy resurfaced after Iheanacho’s recent interview, where he also addressed his controversial celebration during a 2016 derby win over Everton, in which he mocked Liverpool’s anthem *You’ll Never Walk Alone* with a mocking gesture. "I was young, I didn’t understand the weight of it then," he said. "But I see now how it was perceived, and I regret it."

Liverpool’s former captain, Steven Gerrard, who was still playing when Iheanacho was at the club, declined to comment, but sources close to the club confirmed the issue remains raw for many fans. "Football is a game of emotions," Gerrard told *Sky Sports* in a separate interview. "Sometimes, players don’t realize the impact they have until it’s too late."

Iheanacho’s Liverpool career was marked by flashes of brilliance—five goals in 21 appearances—but overshadowed by costly mistakes. His tenure included a string of poor performances, culminating in his infamous error against Arsenal, where he miscontrolled a pass under pressure, allowing Alex Iwobi to score. The defeat cost Liverpool a top-four finish that season, and fans never forgave him. "He was a symbol of our struggles during that period," said Hughes. "Every time he touched the ball, you held your breath."

In his defense, Iheanacho pointed to his subsequent success at Manchester City, where he has become a reliable squad player under Pep Guardiola. "I grew as a player and a person at City," he said. "I learned what it takes to be a champion. I just wish I had shown that side of me earlier." His admission, however, does little to ease the frustration of Liverpool fans, who see it as too little, too late. The social media response has been immediate and unrelenting, with hashtags like #TooLate and #NeverForgiven trending within hours of the interview’s release. "Regret doesn’t change the past," tweeted one fan. "Actions do."

As the debate rages online, one question lingers: Can an apology—even a heartfelt one—undo the damage of a career that defined a club’s struggles? For Liverpool fans, the answer is clear. For Iheanacho, the regret is equally clear—but the road to redemption may be too long to travel.