Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho has officially opened up about his unexpected decision to join Turkish side Bursaspor following his departure from Scottish giants Celtic.
The 29-year-old forward confirmed that the main driving factor behind his arrival was the club’s grand vision and ambitious project.
Bursaspor recently earned promotion back to the second division and has locked its sights on returning to the Turkish Süper Lig.
Reflecting on his transfer, Iheanacho acknowledged the club’s proud heritage as former league champions and noted that their desire to return to top-tier competition and European football made the project irresistible.
In fact, the former Leicester City star was so convinced by the proposition that he actively instructed his agent to finalize the agreement.
He emphasised his strong determination to play an integral role in driving the club toward its ultimate goals.
“Bursaspor is a big team in Turkey. I heard they won the Turkish Super League before. When I hear the project they have and how they want to go all the way to the Super League and to play in Europe as well, I said this is a big project and it’s very good for me to come and be involved and help the team.”
While Iheanacho did not seek advice before making his final decision, he was well aware of the Nigerian legacy at the club, referencing former Super Eagles stars Shehu Abdullahi and Mikel Agu.
Knowing that fellow countrymen had flourished at Bursaspor gave him added confidence in the environment he was stepping into.
Known for his competitive nature, the forward described himself as a demanding team player who thrives in high-stakes environments.
Though every striker sets personal goal targets, Iheanacho stressed that team success and securing promotion to the Süper Lig remain his top priorities for the upcoming campaign.
Equipped with wealth from top-flight European football across Manchester City, Leicester City, Sevilla, Middlesbrough, and Celtic, Iheanacho brings priceless experience to Bursaspor’s ambitious journey back to the top.