Obafemi Martins teams up with Demba Ba, Guarin in China

– Obafemi Martins confirms his move to China

– He joins the likes of Demba Ba and Freddy Guarin at  Shanghai Shenhua.

– Martins will now be managed by former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson

Super Eagles striker Obafemi Martins has joined the list of high profile players to move to the Chinese Super League.

This comes on the heels of reports that the ex- Seattle Sounders forward has joined Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua.

Martins is expected to battle for a starting shirt against the likes Fredy Guarin and Demba Ba at his new club.

The 31-year-old on Thursday, February 18, confirmed his move to Shanghai Shenhua.

He said: “For me it’s now time for a new challenge. After significant reflection, I have decided to join Shanghai Shenhua of the Chinese Super League. 

“When I left Nigeria for Italy at the age of 15 with the hopes of a pro career, I put everything on the line. 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.”

According to Martins’ new manager and former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, money will continue to lure European-based players to Asia.

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Eriksson said: “You can’t take away the fact that money is the primary factor.

“The [Asian] Champions League used to be dominated by teams from Japan, South Korea and Australia, but Guangzhou Evergrande has won it in two of the past three seasons.

“Football is on the TV all the time here, not just the Premier League or the Champions League, but all the European leagues. It is an emerging league, which is why they are attracting such big names. There will be more to follow.

“The football is improving all the time and they are very ambitious with the national team. The biggest problem is the language because it is so difficult for Europeans to learn. In the big cities, such as Shanghai, it is easier because so many people speak English.

“Shanghai is a beautiful city, with theatres, shopping malls and restaurants that can rival anything in London.”

Martins’ move sees him walk in the footsteps of Jackson Martinez, Ramires, Alex Teixeira, Nikica Jelavic, Gervinho, Paulinho, Gael Kakuta and Asamoah Gyan who have all joined Chinese sides.

 

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