Former Newcastle star Obafemi Martins leaves MLS to join Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua

Former Inter Milan, Newcastle and Birmingham striker Obafemi Martins has become the latest high-profile player to seal a move to the Chinese Super League.

The 31-year-old Nigerian has announced he is leaving Major League Soccer outfit Seattle Sounders to join Shanghai Shenhua.

Martins, a League Cup winner with Birmingham in 2011, joins the likes of Demba Ba and Fredy Guarin at the Chinese club.

He also joins a host of high-profile names in moving to join the big-money football revolution in the Far East, with the likes of Colombia winger Jackson Martinez, Brazilian midfielders Ramires and Alex Teixeira, and Croatian striker Nikica Jelavic - formerly of West Ham - all moving to China in recent weeks.

Gervinho, Paulinho, Mohamed Sissoko, Gael Kakuta and Asamoah Gyan are other notable stars who currently play in the 16-team Chinese Super League, where the new season begins on March 4. 

Martins thanked the Sounders via his official Twitter account before saying: "For me it's now time for a new challenge.

"After significant reflection, I have decided to join Shanghai Shenhua of the Chinese Super League.

"When I left Nigeria for Italy at the age of 15 with the hopes of a pro career, I put everything on the line. 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.

"Seattle will always have a special place in my heart."