Get me out of Russia! To revive my career

Posted by admin Headlines, Soccer, Sports, State News Thursday, July 28th, 2011

When Obafemi Martins left Italy for England in search of greener pasture, he never imagined that a time like this would come when he would beg to go back to the land of the Azurris to revive his carrier.

Though, now based in Russia, were he plies his trade with Rubin Kazan, Obagoal is not happy with how his game has nosedived, even as injuries had kept him on the sidelines for sometime now.

Martins, who recently declared himself fit after several months of suffering from shin injury while on loan at the English Premier League club, Birmingham City, has said he would head back to his Russian club, Rubin Kazan, but his heart really remains in Italy, where he got his first big break with Inter Milan.

“Honestly, I would very much want to return to Italy to revive my career, but I still have a contract with Kazan and so, would head back there now,” he started.

“I still have two more years on my contract. I’m very fine now and delighted to be back from injury. It’s great to be back playing again and I wish to express my appreciation to everyone that supported me while I was out injured.”
He further revealed, “I came back to Nigeria to process my work permit. I miss football because it is like food to me; that is where I earn a living. So, I’m really happy to be back and can’t wait to start hitting the back of the net again.

“Coach Samson Siasia named a 21-man squad for the friendly against Ghana in London next month without adding my name. I’m okay by that decision because I’m just coming back from injury. What I want to do now is to settle down at my club and thereafter, target a return to the Eagles.

“I miss not being part of the team, but throughout the time I was injured, Siasia, who is like a big brother to me was in touch. I believe once I’m back scoring goals for my club, I would be recalled to the national team.
“I also know that there is stiffer competition among the strikers in the national team now with the like of Osaze Odemwingie, Ikechukwu Uche, Ahmed Musa, Peter Utaka, Emmanuel Emenike and Brown Ideye. But I will give my best shot if I’m recalled. To be sincere, these players are all good strikers and I respect them. I hope to return and work with them. The most important thing is the team.

“In fact, I would put my money down for the Eagles to qualify for next year’s Africa Nations Cup even though we are now four points behind group leaders, Guinea, with two round of matches remaining. However, with teamwork and dedication from the prayers we will be at the Nations Cup.

“I don’t count on the FIFA rankings because Nigeria has one of the best teams in Africa. We have quality players like (Joseph) Yobo and Kalu (Uche).
“We know that the match in Madagascar won’t be easy because it’s away from home. But we have to win there before focusing on our last home game with Guinea.”wp_posts