Nigeria Players Abroad
Kelechi Iheanacho bids emotional farewell to Celtic after joining Bursaspor
Kelechi Iheanacho has thanked Celtic, his former team-mates, coaching staff and supporters after completing a free transfer to Turkish club Bursaspor.
The Nigeria international leaves the Scottish champions after one season at Parkhead, where he helped Celtic secure a domestic double by winning both the Scottish Premiership and the Scottish Cup.
Iheanacho, 29, scored nine goals in all competitions during the 2025/26 campaign. Several of those strikes came at important moments as Celtic enjoyed a successful season under manager Brendan Rodgers.
His contract with Celtic expired at the end of the season, allowing him to move to Bursaspor without a transfer fee. The Turkish club became his next destination after his decision to leave Glasgow.
Following the switch, Iheanacho used social media to reflect on his time with Celtic and offer an emotional farewell to the club’s supporters.
“To the Celtic FC, what we achieved last season was truly incredible, I’ll forever be grateful for the opportunity to represent your great football club,” Iheanacho wrote on Instagram.
He also expressed his appreciation to Rodgers, Martin O’Neill and the wider coaching team for the role they played during his spell at Parkhead.
“My thanks to Brendan Rodgers for bringing me to the football club. Thank you to Martin O’Neil and his staff. Special thanks to my teammates, will miss you guys.
“To the amazing fans, thank you for your unwavering support. I wish you all the very best for the upcoming season and beyond.”
Iheanacho’s only season with Celtic ended with the club lifting both major domestic trophies, while his nine goals provided a significant contribution across the campaign.
Although his time in Scotland lasted just one season, the forward’s message highlighted his appreciation for the opportunity to represent Celtic and for the support he received from the club’s followers.
His move to Bursaspor follows the expiry of his Celtic contract and marks the next stage of the Nigeria international’s career in Turkish football.
