Sounders sign F Obafemi Martins to multi-year contract extension
The Seattle Sounders have signed forward Obafemi Martins to a multi-year contract extension, the team announced Tuesday.
Terms of the deal, which comes on Martins' 30th birthday, were not disclosed. ESPN.com reported Saturday that Martins had agreed to a three-year extension (including a one-year option) worth more than $3 million annually.
“I’m very happy to have signed a contract to be with this team and these players for multiple years,” Martins said in a statement. “This season is not over yet, so I’m excited to do more and score more goals, but it’s nice to know I’ll be here going forward.”
“Oba has been an integral part of our team on and off the field, and has established himself as one of the premier players in MLS,” said Sounders FC Owner and General Manager Adrian Hanauer. “He was a monumental signing when he first joined us last season, and we are thrilled that he will continue his career with Sounders FC.”
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Martins came to the Sounders on a transfer from La Liga club Levante in March 2012. He tied for the team lead with eight goals last season and scored a team-record 17 goals this season, which was fifth in MLS.
Overall, Martins' 25 goals in 51 MLS appearances is second in Sounders history behind Fredy Montero.
Before coming to Seattle, Martins played 12 seasons for multiple teams in top European leagues, including Inter Milan, Wolfsburg and Newcastle United, scoring a total of 103 goals.
Martins is also a veteran of the Nigerian national team, earning 38 caps and helping Nigeria qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. His 18 goals are tied for fourth in the team's history.
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The Sounders finished the regular season with 64 points, the most in MLS. They defeated the LA Galaxy in their final regular season game on Saturday to win their first-ever Supporters' Shield.
Seattle plays the winner of the knockout game between FC Dallas and the Vancouver Whitecaps in the Western Conference semifinals on Nov. 2.
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