Update: Obafemi Martins released from contract, tweets he has signed with Seattle Sounders

Obafemi Martins with Levante

Straight from the mouth of the player himself, Obafemi Martins says he is the newest Seattle Sounder.


Martins' current club, La Liga side Levante, announced earlier Monday that the stiker had been released from his contract. Levante will reportedly received $3.9 million ($3 million euros) in the deal, according to reports out of Spain.


Now, Martins has announced via his Twitter account that he has signed for the Sounders, though Seattle officials declined to comment:


March 11, 2013

Valencia-based journalist Carlos Ayats Pérez reported Monday morning that Martins would pay the release clause that cleared the way for the move himself.

Martins, who has scored seven times this season for the Spanish club, recently said he was close to finalizing his deal to join the Sounders but doubt was cast over the move after Levante manager Juan Ignacio Martínez hinted that the striker could be staying put late last week.


Seattle take on Liga MX side Tigres UANL in the second leg of their CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal on Tuesday at CenturyLink Field (10 pm ET, Fox Soccer). Tigres currently hold a 1-0 aggregate lead.


The Scouting Report: Seattle Sounders vs. Tigres UANL