Former Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins is determined to keep playing

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Former Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins has spoken to BBC Sport, of his desire to continue playing, despite having been without a club since May.

Martins, now 35, tore his hamstring in May, and has been looking for a new club, but insists he has not thought of retiring from the game.

He said: “I love football and I’m still passionate about it, so retirement thoughts haven’t crossed my mind.

“I cannot rush into the next club because at this stage I can make important decisions for myself and my body. ‬

‪”I want to enjoy the game and when I find the right place it will not be a difficult thing to do.”

The Nigerian speedster has had no fewer than seven different clubs since leaving Newcastle, which has taken him to La Liga, MLS and the Chinese Super League, among others.

But it is his spell at Newcastle that he is most known for, where he made 88 Premier League appearances, scoring 28 goals, between 2006 and 2009.

Martins always entertained Newcastle fans

Always a popular figure on Tyneside, his electrifying pace was a memorable sight for fans who were attending games at that time.

With Newcastle’s strikers struggling to find goals currently, many fans can look back at a player like Martins, and wish they had someone similar in their side nowadays.

At the tail-end of his career, it is likely that his next move will be his last, and while he is past a Premier League return, surely a League One or Two club, or a team in one of the world’s lesser leagues, could benefit from having Martins in their side.

Whatever the future holds for him, I am sure most Newcastle fans would join us in wishing him well, and thanking him for the memories from his time at St James’ Park.