MLS Star Headed to China

Obafemi Martins is the latest MLS casualty as he prepares to play in Shanghai, China under a lucrative contract deal

SEATTLE
Obafemi Martins has posted on social media that he has decided to leave the Seattle Sounders and join a Chinese club in Shanghai.

Martins posted a lengthy goodbye to Seattle on his Twitter account Wednesday night. Martins said it’s “time for a new challenge” and that he has decided to join Shanghai Shenhua of the Chinese Super League while thanking Seattle for his opportunity with the Sounders. The Sounders had no comment.

The 31-year-old has been with the Sounders since 2013 and scored 15 goals in 21 regular-season games last year. Sounders general manager Garth Lagerwey said in an audio statement released by the team Sunday: “Obafemi’s not here with us in this phase of camp. We’ve had an approach from a Chinese club for his services.”

*associated press contributed

Whether you like it or not, this decision and the realignment of the age groups has rocked the youth soccer world .

In its continual effort to improve player development, the U.S. Soccer Development Academy program will be expanding to the Under-12 age group starting in the Fall of 2016.

The expansion to U-12 will incorporate the same Academy philosophy as the older age groups, providing this critical younger age with an improved environment to enhance player and coach development. The players will train more often, while also playing fewer – but more meaningful – games every week, which will provide the American player with the opportunity to learn and develop to reach their full potential.

“We are very excited to expand and introduce the Academy structure and philosophy to the U-12 age group when players are in their peak learning years,” said U.S. Soccer Youth Technical Director Tab Ramos. “That age represents a critical stage in a player’s growth, and this move represents another important step in our expanded efforts to improve elite player development.”