Former Celtic striker Kelechi Iheanacho opens up on summer Parkhead exit

Former Celtic striker Kelechi Iheanacho has opened up on the transfer saga that saw him leave Glasgow for Bursaspor in the summer.

The Nigerian forward became a popular figure among the Hoops support during the club’s dramatic Premiership title triumph under Martin O’Neill, with hopes that he could extend his stay at Parkhead.

However, Turkish outfit Bursaspor eventually won the race for his signature, and the move has proved successful for the 30-year-old.

Iheanacho has enjoyed an impressive start to life in Turkey, registering 14 goals and three assists as Bursaspor push for promotion from the second tier.

Speaking to the club’s official website, the former Celtic striker revealed that negotiations were largely handled by his representatives.

He said: “To be fair, I don’t talk about transfers. I really try to concentrate on my football. The transfer talks were done with the agents and directors.

“Of course, I was aware of the transfer talks. I don’t really know how they were contacted, but I was told by my agent that Bursaspor were in contact.

“He explained everything to me in detail. I was happy, and I said yes. It’s a good and interesting place, according to how he told me about it.”

He continued: “We went through everything together, and we saw it was a very concrete situation.

“I said this is a good place to go, and they have a good history as well. Moving forward, we delayed a little bit, but in the end, here we are now, enjoying every moment of it.”