I pulled out of Stoke game for Newcastle sake - Obafemi

15.04.2009

ObafemiNEWCASTLE striker, Obafemi Martins claims he only pulled out of last Saturday's English Premiership game against Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium because he did not want to let his side down.

The Nigerian international played no part in the 1-1 draw after waking up on the morning of the game with groin trouble, and Magpies manager, Alan Shearer was unhappy at having to change his plans six hours before kick-off.

There have been suggestions the incident created a rift between the pair but Obafemi will not face punishment.

The Nigerian realises why Shearer was upset but insists he could do little to help the situation and made the right decision to pull out. Obafemi, who was last week described as a key player by Shearer, is looking forward to playing a major role in Newcastle's battle against relegation.

"I understand why the manager was frustrated because he had to change his plans," he said in The Guardian. "But I woke up in so much pain that I knew I could not give 100 per cent, so I decided I couldn't play. "I didn't want to let the team down. And, with so many important games coming up, I needed to think about staying fit for the future."

Meanwhile, Shearer has held showdown talks with Obafemi over the Nigerian striker's late withdrawal from the Stoke game. Shearer has held talks with the Nigerian over the injury as he tries to keep Newcastle in the Premier League.