Super Eagles Returnee Striker Speaks Out At Last Journey-man, Obafemi Martins stunned the Nigerian soccer populace when he forced yet another controversial move to the MLS side, Seattle sounders.
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This was when the dust had barely settled on yet another unexpected move to the Spanish side, Levante. Obagoal in this exclusive interview with DAVID MESHIOYE lets us into why he opted to play in the MLS.
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On Nigeria/Kenya clash
We always knew it was going to be a tough game anyway but we were not prepared for a draw in the first place. They had a great game, they had a chance and took it out rightly. They scored a great goal anyway; we had our own couple of chances too, but we couldn't get that early goal that could have turned the tide in our favour. However, what is important is that we did not lose the match, it would have been a disaster if the Kenyans had carried the day. It could have been very difficult if we had lost.
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Would you say that the new status of being African champions is beginning to take it's toll on the Eagles, thus making them the team to beat? What is your take on this?
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Yeah, I think whoever said that may be right to some extent. I mean being African champions comes with a prize to pay; anybody who wants to play Nigeria now will come up with great determination to ensure they beat Nigeria. Football is like that anyway; if you're the champion then be ready to justify your new status. Every small team wants to beat you, besides there are no small teams anymore in football. We just have to work harder in our subsequent games. Nigerians are not happy about the outcome of the Kenya game but we are very sorry about that result.
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You scored a brace in Nairobi in 2009 but last Saturday's match against Harambee Stars was a different kettle of fish. Would you say your long absence from the team could be a major factor in the goal drought?
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Well, that is football. The Kenyans realized how much damage I caused the team in Nairobi in 2009, of course they will do everything to stop me from scoring. Like I said we had a couple of chances, I had mine but I need more of those chances and I will certainly deliver. My hunger pang is to score more goals for my country but I need more of such opportunities and Nigerians won't be disappointed.
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Please tell us: Why does Martins keep changing clubs at the slightest opportunity. You are fast becoming the most itinerant Nigerian player with your recent move to Seattle Sounders FC?
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I don't regret leaving Levante. I have played in one of
the best leagues in the world in my career. Going to the United States to play really excites me. I just decided to move there and the deal worked out for me. I am happy going to the Major League Soccer. I have no regrets moving to MLS, this is my career and if truly my fans want to keep watching me, then they must tune in to MLS. Yeah, I went to Levante from Russia but lots of people don't really know why I went there. I terminated my contract at Rubin and went to Levante FC where I received peanuts, and so if I decide to move on, it is my choice.
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What is paramount for you in football; money, fame, entertainment?
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Well, I think they are all important, none of these is better than the other. You need football to entertain the fans and make them happy. What you get in the long run is money while fame comes much later. Above all these, I' m playing football not for the money, I just want to play football and make myself and fans happy. Money is not paramount to me in football, which was why I could take a pay cut at Levante. I was not really getting well paid in Russia but I still chose to go for a pay cut at Levante. I am not motivated by money when it comes to playing football.
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Your globetrotting began when you left Newcastle
United. It was said that you left England to save your career . Did you ever regret leaving after that club was relegated?
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No regret. It's my life and my career, I am responsible for every decision I took then and now. The money I was paid was okay but I chose to leave the club for Wolfsburg and I have nothing to regret.
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Do you sit back and watch your goals, especially when you are not playing?
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Yes of course! I do that often because it allows me to learn from my mistakes and then laugh it off when I miss goals.
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Do you have a favourite career goal?
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Honestly? I enjoy them all, even the ( tap-ins.
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Describe your personality in five words?
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I am a beast in front of goal, loving and caring father who loves to spend time with family and friends, honest and open to advice and correction.
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What was life like whilst growing up?
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Life was tough but I've always known that I have God given talents that I need to work on. My mother remains my heroine because of her role in moulding my life. My mum gave up her needs to make sure I play football. She told me never to ignore the poor and needy, that is why you see different kinds of people around me and I'm comfortable with that.
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Be honest; are you that crazy about cars? Which is your best so far?
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Yes I am. I love cars and you really know about that. My best car now is Lamborghini
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Which is your best city ?
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Milan in Italy. Simply the best city I love so much.
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Does Obagoal miss growing a moustache?
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(Laughter) What do I need it for? At least I am lucky I don't need to wake up every morning and apply some shaving powder before leaving for training.
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Doesn't all the adulation, the demands for autographs, the screaming fans and so on, freak you out?
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It doesn't freak me out. All these people show me how much I'm loved. That people ask me for my picture and autograph is such a big honour and it important you make those people look important too.I respect my fans because I know how difficult it was coming up as a footballer.
Obafemi Martins owe no one an explanation for his actions....It is his career and he can do whatever he likes.