Levante sporting director Quico Catalan has criticised Obafemi Martins, reflecting that his departure yesterday was ‘the best that could happen’.
The Nigerian went public last week with the desire to leave Los Granotes, just six months after signing for the club, amid interest from and initial talks with MLS outfit Seattle Sounders.
Whilst Levante refused to negotiate below his €3m buyout clause, the player yesterday activated that at the Spanish Football League offices, freeing him up to join Seattle the same day.
“When a player does not want to wear the shirt of Levante then he will not be selected,” Catalan reflected to the media in reaction.
“We had decided not to accept an offer, but he has deposited the money for the clause. We have seen the best that could have occurred, because the player has shown that he did not want nor did he deserve to wear this shirt.
“When you plan for a season, the hope is that all you who you begin with run through to the end. I always say that things happen for good and what has happened is what has had to happen.
“Levante are limited by economic aspects, but the operation is well-rounded, in sporting aspects it is pretty interesting and at an institutional level it has made us great, allowing us to grow and has allowed us to be the club we aspire to be, a serious club, with ambition, and neither Martins nor anyone else will change the history of this club.”
Martins’ departure does leave the side light on striking options.
“Levante has to face the rest of the season with what we have. That has to be the commitment and the message, whilst from there the market can offer many things, but we have no obligation or need to strengthen us.”
