Obafemi Martins finally moves to US Club Seattle Sounders

NIGERIA striker Obafemi Martins has finally joined Major League Soccer club Seattle Sounders. The recalled Super Eagles player moved to the American side from Spanish side Levante.

Martins’ move to Sounders had to be put on hold after he had agreed terms with the MLS side late last month. But on Monday, Martins announced on his twitter handle @oba_martins: “Wow..Finally, I can now announce that I have just signed for Sounders FC..A big step to take in my career. It’s a big challenge but I’m ready.”

Yahoo! Sports, quoting reports from Spain, reported on Monday that Levante will receive $3.9 million ($3 million euros) to release the Nigerian forward from his contract.

The move to make Martins a free agent is expected to pave the way for him to complete his long-rumoured move to Seattle as a Designated Player.
Valencia-based journalist Carlos Ayats Pérez reported on Monday morning that Martins would pay the sum himself.

Meanwhile, Martins also took time out to praise Levante fans for their support during his stay in Spain. Martins tweeted: “This is so difficult for me to do, but I really do love my fans. Levante fans are the best... I will always cherish the time I played here.”

Martins, who got a recall into the Super Eagles for a 2014 World Cup qualifier later this month against Kenya after he was left out of the Nigerian national team that won the Africa Cup of Nations title in South Africa last month, added that he could not wait to team up with Sounders players and fans.

He tweeted: “I look forward to this new era in my career... I also look forward to meet my new teammates and the Sounders FC fans, my new family.” - Tribune