Nigerian striker Obafemi Martins has confirmed that he is leaving MLS to sign with Shanghai Shenhua, citing the desire for a "new challenge."
Obafemi Martins' exit from the Seattle Sounders is all but official.
The Nigerian striker tweeted a farewell letter to Sounders fans Wednesday, confirming he will sign with Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua.
News of Martins' impending move was reported earlier this week, and the 31-year-old was spotted arriving in South Korea on Wednesday for the club's preseason camp.
"For me it's now time for a new challenge," Martins wrote. "After significant reflection, I have decided to join Shanghai Greenland Shenhua FC of the CSL."
Martins leaves the Sounders after three campaigns in MLS, having recorded 40 goals and 23 assists over 72 regular season appearances.
He enjoyed his finest season in 2014, notching 17 goals and 13 assists while earning a spot on the shortlist for MLS MVP.
"Thank you Seattle," Martins wrote. "Thank you for everything. Thank you for the memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you for the endless love and support, during good times and bad. Thank you to my teammates and coaches for always believing in me.
"Something I feel strongly about is challenging myself. When I came to Seattle, it was for the challenge. The challenge of playing in an unknown environment. I can wholeheartedly say that I seized the opportunity and gave everything I had for the club."
The Sounders appear well covered to compensate for Martins' exit, with designated players Clint Dempsey and Nelson Valdez and newly signed U.S. international Jordan Morris among the club's strikers.
Shanghai Shenhua will be Martins' ninth club, with the forward having previously played for the likes of Inter, Newcastle, Wolfsburg and Levante.
Martins is the latest big name to make the move to China this winter, joining Alex Teixeira (Jiangsu Suning), Jackson Martinez (Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao), Ramires (Jiangsu Suning), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Hebei China Fortune) and Gervinho (Hebei China Fortune).
"When I left Nigeria for Italy at age fifteen with the hopes of a pro career, I put everything on the line," Martins wrote. "I was immersed in an unknown culture. 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."