Jozy Altidore will spending the rest of the season on loan to the defending Turkish Super Lig champions. Here's what you need to know about the Green Crocodiles.
Why Are We Here?
With Jozy Altidore seeing playing time in Cup competitions but not La Liga, Villarreal decided a loan deal was in order. Altidore should see plenty of opportunity with a contending club in a strong league. With 19 games played, Bursaspor are currently second in the Super Lig, trailing Trabzonspor by two points.
Where Are We?
Bursa, the fourth biggest city in Turkey located in the shadow of Mount Uludag near the Sea of Marmara. Istanbul is directly north, on the other side of the Sea of Marmara.
And The Club?
As their club crest tells us, the club was founded in 1963. They won their first league title last season. That qualified them for Europe, where National Teamer Abroad fans might remember their games against Maurice Edu and Rangers in Group C. Bursaspor finished last in the group. Historically, their most successful run in Europe came in 1974-75 when they made the quarterfinals of the old Cup Winners' Cup.
How Tough Is The Super Lig?
Historically, it's the league of Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, both well known for making life difficult for clubs in the Champions League. The league has been around since 1958, and as expected Galatasaray and Fenerbache top the table with 17 title wins each. Besiktas has 13, followed by Trabzonspor with six. Last season's title win makes Bursaspor the 5th club to take the Super Lig.
The Stadium?
Bursaspor currently play at the Bursa Ataturk Stadium, a 25,213-capacity venue built in 1979. The club needed a quick refurbish job for the stadium to be used in the 2010-11 Champions League. That's a temporary measure, with Bursaspor currently in the early stages for a nice new home they plan to call The Crocodile Arena. That's a 45,000-seater stadium that was intended as part of the Turkey bid for Euro 2016. UEFA went with France as hosts, and it remains to be seen what will happen with Bursaspor's stadium plans.
