Nigeria international Obafemi Martins became the latest big-name international footballer to move to the Chinese Super League as he was signed by Shanghai Greenland Shenhua FC on Thursday, joining Colombian Fredy Guarin as the club's latest signings this winter transfer window.
The Guardian reported that "the former Internazionale, Newcastle and Birmingham City striker is leaving Seattle Sounders (of the Major League Soccer) to join Shanghai Shenhua" from this season onwards.
Although the deal was not official yet and the MLS and the Sounders itself have not yet released a formal statement, the 31-year-old forward have already posted a long message of goodbye and gratitude in one of his social media accounts thanking the club, his teammates and coaches, and the fans for "the endless love and support, during good times and bad".
"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," Martins said in his post. "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," as per ESPN.
"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. Seattle will always have a special place in my heart," he ended.
Martins goes after the path of many notable international players who have chosen to move to the Far East nation this winter, namely Ramires and Alex Teixeira to Jiangsu Suning; Jackson Martinez to Guangzhou Evergrande; Gervinho, Stéphane Mbia, Gaël Kakuta, and Ezequiel Lavezzi to Hebei China Fortune; and Ralf, Renato Augusto, and Burak Yilmaz to Beijing Guoan among others.
Sounders GM Garth Lagerwey confirmed that a "Chinese club" approached them for Martins services, but did not disclose if any deals had been made.
"Obafemi's not here with us in this phase of camp. We've had an approach from a Chinese club for his services," Lagerwey said.
The Chinese winter transfer window will close on Feb. 26 while the 2016 season of the CSL is set to begin on March 4.