Martins says he's leaving Levante for Seattle
SEATTLE (AP) - Nigerian forward Obafemi Martins says on Twitter he is leaving Spanish club Levante to join the Seattle Sounders.
Martins made his posts on Monday, which was followed by an announcement from Levante that he was leaving. Martins wrote that he wanted to give thanks to Levante for the chance to play in La Liga, but that signing with Seattle is, "a big step to take in my career."
At training on Monday, Seattle general manager Adrian Hanauer told reporters there was nothing official to announce but did not deny "indicators" that pointed to Martins playing for Seattle in the near future.
The Sounders have been seeking a replacement at forward to play alongside Eddie Johnson since Fredy Montero was loaned to Colombian club. The 28-year-old Martins had nine goals in 22 matches in all competitions for Levante this season.
His best seasons were with Inter Milan (2001-06) and Newcastle (2006-09).
Martins made his posts on Monday, which was followed by an announcement from Levante that he was leaving. Martins wrote that he wanted to give thanks to Levante for the chance to play in La Liga, but that signing with Seattle is, "a big step to take in my career."
At training on Monday, Seattle general manager Adrian Hanauer told reporters there was nothing official to announce but did not deny "indicators" that pointed to Martins playing for Seattle in the near future.
The Sounders have been seeking a replacement at forward to play alongside Eddie Johnson since Fredy Montero was loaned to Colombian club. The 28-year-old Martins had nine goals in 22 matches in all competitions for Levante this season.
His best seasons were with Inter Milan (2001-06) and Newcastle (2006-09).
He has signed now and is elligible to play tomorrow barring his flight gets here alright
My expectations are slightly tempered due to our history with big name DP's. Â Ljundberg, Nkufo, Fernandez, Tiffert...Johnson is the one exception. Â Montero doesn't count because he was young talent.