Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho has spoken publicly for the first time since rejecting a contract extension at Celtic in favour of joining Turkish side Bursaspor, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 29-year-old completed a surprise move to the Turkish second-tier club last week after helping Celtic win a domestic double during the 2025/26 season.
His decision raised eyebrows in Scotland, particularly after Celtic manager Martin O'Neill revealed he believed an agreement had been reached for the Nigerian to remain at Parkhead before negotiations collapsed.
However, Iheanacho has now explained that Bursaspor's long-term sporting project, not financial incentives, convinced him to make the move.
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Kelechi Iheanacho speaks on Celtic exit and Bursaspor move
Speaking on Bursaspor's official YouTube Channel, Iheanacho admitted he became convinced after hearing the club's vision of returning to the Turkish Super Lig and competing in Europe again.
“I'm very happy to come to Bursaspor. I thank the president for making this possible, with the help of my agent as well. I'm really excited to start here.”
The former Manchester City and Leicester City striker revealed he was already aware of Bursaspor's history as Turkish champions.
“Bursaspor is a big club in Turkey and I had heard that they had previously won the Turkish Super Lig.”
“When I heard about their project, that they wanted to climb up to the Super Lig and also play in Europe, I said this is a big project and it's very good for me to come and be involved and help the team.”
Iheanacho then disclosed that he personally instructed his representatives to prioritise the transfer.
“So I asked my agent to make sure he does everything possible to make sure I come to Bursaspor. This is a big project and I hope I will be a part of it and help the team achieve this big project.”
Promotion comes before personal ambitions
While Iheanacho arrives as one of the biggest names in the Turkish second division, he insisted his focus is helping Bursaspor secure promotion rather than chasing individual glory.
“We know what we want as a team. Collectively as a team, hopefully we achieve promotion—that is our main target before the individual target of a player.”
“My target is for us to go to the Super Lig.”
The striker also thanked Bursaspor supporters for welcoming him even before the transfer was completed.
“The fans are really positive and energetic. I thank them a lot for all their support since I've signed.”
“They always commented on my posts asking me to come to Bursaspor. Finally, I'm here. They made it possible, so they are part of it. Hopefully we will enjoy winning together and enjoy going to the Super Lig together.”
Iheanacho explains Celtic exit
Iheanacho's comments come days after O'Neill admitted Celtic were caught off guard by the Nigerian's decision to leave.
The Scottish champions had hoped to keep him after his nine-goal campaign, but discussions broke down before Bursaspor finalised a three-year contract for the Super Eagles forward.
Reports in Scotland initially suggested Iheanacho chose Turkey because of a lucrative salary package, but Bursaspor president Enes Çelik later dismissed claims that the striker would earn around £47,000 per week, confirming instead that his guaranteed annual salary stands at €1.4 million.
Rather than discussing finances, Iheanacho pointed to Bursaspor's sporting ambition as the decisive factor behind his decision.
Familiar colours for the Super Eagles star
Iheanacho also joked about swapping one green-and-white shirt for another after leaving Celtic.
“It's the same green and white, to be fair.”
“I don't know if it's déjà vu, like they say in French.”
“Celtic is a bit lighter green, Bursaspor is dark green. It's a little bit different but it's all similar. It's all good.”
For the Super Eagles striker, the objective is to help restore one of Turkey's most historic clubs to the Super Lig while reigniting his own career after an eventful spell in Scottish football.
