Obafemi - Why I had to leave NUFC

Aug 9 2009 by Neil Farrington, Sunday Sun

OBAFEMI MARTINS has opened his heart on his departure from Newcastle United – branding the club “a shambles”.

Nigerian striker Martins quit Tyneside for German champions Wolfsburg last weekend after a summer of post-relegation uncertainty at St James’s Park.

And he insists the impasse in United’s ownership and managerial sagas left him with no choice but to put the chance of Champions League football in Germany ahead of life in the Championship.

“If things had been different, I would not have wanted to leave, but the club is a shambles right now,” said Martins. “It is going nowhere.

“I love Newcastle, the city and the fans but the situation at the club is ridiculous.”

“As players, of course we felt guilty about relegation.

“But what has happened there this summer is crazy, with the club not being sold and no coach in place.

“It is impossible to see the future there.

“I hope the fans understand, but when a player of my age in this situation is offered the chance to play in the Champions League, he has to take it.

“I hope for the fans and players left at Newcastle that they have a good season and return to the Premier League, but it will be very difficult if the situation at the club does not change.”