Turkish league tougher than people think – Iheanacho

Kelechi Iheanacho. Photo: X/@67Kelechi

Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho has dismissed claims that financial incentives drove his surprise summer transfer from Scottish champions Celtic to Turkish second-tier club Bursaspor.

Speaking with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) ahead of Tuesday’s friendly against Russia, the 29-year-old insisted the move was entirely a personal choice. Despite helping Celtic secure a domestic double last term, Iheanacho opted against an extension, leaving fans stunned by his drop to Turkey’s 1. Lig.

Rejecting rumours of lucrative wages, the former Leicester City star defended the division’s competitive standards.

“As a player, you have your reasons for choosing any club you join in Turkey,” Iheanacho told the NFF.

“For me, football is the same all over the world, no matter where you go. You play the same game everywhere. Several of us are in Turkey, and in the division where I play, there are many Nigerians that people might not know about. But it is a good league.”

“I don’t know how people rate the league, but it’s a genuinely tough division and not as easy as people think.

“When you come here to play, you will see whether it is easy or not. My teammates who are here can testify to that as well. I’m enjoying it, and I know they are enjoying it too. It’s a very good league.”

The gamble has already paid off. Adjusting smoothly to life outside Britain, Iheanacho has plundered 11 goals and 2 assists in just eight league games for Bursaspor.

That prolific run earned him a timely recall to the national team under coach Eric Chelle. The experienced striker will now look to carry his red-hot club form onto the international stage as the Super Eagles prepare to face Russia.

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