Former Celtic striker Kelechi Iheanacho has been explaining his decision to join Turkish second tier side Bursaspor this summer.
The striker contributed significantly for Celtic down the stretch last season after arriving in February and initially struggling with injury. Having played sporadically leading up to the move, Iheanacho was not fully fit when he arrived, but when he did get up to speed, he helped the Bhoys win their league and cup double.
After the season, Martin O'Neill spoke of his desire to re-sign Iheanacho this summer, adding that the forward needed a pre-season under his belt. But in a strange move, the Hoops waited until halfway through the pre-season to offer a deal, and when they did, they lowballed the forward with a low offer that was contingent on bonuses.
The 29-year-old former Premier League striker was always going to value himself more than that, and rightly so, especially having proven himself valuable for Celtic last season. Turkish side Bursaspor then offered £23,000-per-week, as has been confirmed by the club's president, and Iheanacho made the move.
Iheanacho explains his decision
Speaking to Bursaspor's official YouTube channel, Iheanacho has explained that he was attracted by the 'big project' at his new club.
“I’m very happy to come to Bursaspor," he said. "I thank so much the President for making this possible for me to come to Bursaspor, with the help of my agent as well. I’m very happy. I’m really, really excited to start here.
“To be fair, 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 that this is a big project and it’s very good for me to come and be involved and help the team.
“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.”
Iheanacho will likely have worked privately on his fitness this summer, and he will be hoping to hit the ground running at his new club. Meanwhile, Celtic now have to find a new striker, and they seem to be focusing on Bodo/Glimt forward Kasper Hogh, who will cost them much more than the free transfer of Iheanacho.
Add us as a preferred source on Google