Martins makes pledge to Big Sam
Obafemi Martins has scored 22 goals in 50 matches for the Magpies
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Wednesday, 24, Oct 2007 04:12
Striker Obafemi Martins has pledged his future to Newcastle United, saying he will stay at the club as long as manager Sam Allardyce is still there.
The Nigerian international was originally signed by Glenn Roeder from Inter Milan in August 2006 for a fee believed to be around £10 million.
But speculation over the summer suggested the powerful forward may be keen to leave the club following the arrival of Allardyce, with many pundits linking him to Arsenal.
Martins was initially silent on the rumours but has since publicly expressed his admiration for his manager and for English football saying he now feels settled on Tyneside.
"It took me a few months to learn new stuff about the Premier League, English football and living in Newcastle," he said.
"I had to adapt to the style of football and it took me some time, but I'm very happy here. Things are going well."
He continued: "I didn't really feel as though I had to prove myself to a new manager when Sam Allardyce came, I just knew I had to work hard and he would see what I could do.
"I never took any notice of the stories saying I'd leave in the summer and, if Sam Allardyce is here for five years, I will be here for five years also.
"That is how much I enjoy playing for him. I don't think I'll be going anywhere while Sam is here."