Sports
Martins finally confirms China move
In from Ripples Nigeria
Super Eagles striker, Obafemi Martins, has finally confirmed that he is leaving MLS side, Seattle Sounders to sign with Shanghai Shenhua after several days of speculations.
The 31-year-old, who was spotted arriving in South Korea on Wednesday for the club’s preseason camp wrote in a tweet to say goodbye to Sounders fans.
Shanghai Shenhua will be Martins’ ninth club, with the forward having previously played for Reggiana (Italy), Internazionale (Italy), Newcastle United (England), VfL Wolfsburg (Germany), Rubin Kazan (Russia), Birmingham City (England), Levante (Spain) and Seattle Sounders (USA).
Read also: Martins not signed to Shanghai Shenhua-Sounders
“For me it’s now time for a new challenge,” Martins wrote. “After significant reflection, I have decided to join Shanghai Greenland Shenhua FC of the CSL.”
“Thank you Seattle,” Martins wrote. “Thank you for everything. Thank you for the memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you for the endless love and support, during good times and bad. Thank you to my teammates and coaches for always believing in me.
“Something I feel strongly about is challenging myself. When I came to Seattle, it was for the challenge. The challenge of playing in an unknown environment. I can wholeheartedly say that I seized the opportunity and gave everything I had for the club.”
Martins spent three years in the MLS scoring 40 goals and 23 assists over 72 regular season appearances.
“When I left Nigeria for Italy at age fifteen with the hopes of a pro career, I put everything on the line,” Martins wrote. “I was immersed in an unknown culture. It may be difficult to understand or relate to, but I’ve grown to appreciate the feeling I get when entering environments where I’m not a proven footballer.”
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