Home : Football : Priotity News : Planetsport Homepage Football : News : News : News : Newcastle

Martins backs Magpies for CL

2012-05-09 02:05:02

Former Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins is backing the Magpies to qualify for the Champions League, saying the players deserve it after such a sterling season

Martins: Missing the Magpies

Martins, who now plays for Russian side Rubin Kazan, was at St James’ Park for three seasons until 2009, scoring 28 goals, and he is enjoying watching some of his former team-mates climb close to the top four on the Premier League table.

The Nigerian told goal.com: “I hope they can get into the UEFA Champions League because Newcastle really need it because they’ve been fighting for it for ages.

“They’ve not been playing the Champions League for [eight years]. I remember when I played against them in 2003-04 [while at Inter]. I hope they make it.”

He added that while he missed his time on Tyneside, a footballer’s life is transitory, saying: “Of course, Newcastle is one of the best teams ever, they have great fans.

“Some people will go, others will come in and play - that’s life.

“I’m going on with my own career so I don’t have to think that I miss them too much because they’re going to play the Champions League.

“It’s all about moving on. I played well there I’m not there anymore so life has to continue.”

For the fifth-placed Magpies’ dream to come true, they must beat Everton on the final day, and hope Tottenham lose or draw with Fulham. To make life even easier, they will hope Arsenal lose to West Brom so the Toon can end third.