Newcastle United Football Club News

• Nickname:Magpies
• Founded:1881
• Manager:Alan Pardew

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Martins explains late change

14 Apr 2009 - 11:31:27

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Nigeria international Obafemi Martins has played down his rift with Newcastle United manager Alan Shearer.

Shearer expressed his frustration at the weekend when Martins withdrew from the squad for the 1-1 draw against Stoke City at the last minute.

Martins said he woke up on the morning of the game with groin trouble, which forced Shearer to make a late reshuffle.

The striker told The Guardian: "I understand why the manager was frustrated because he had to change his plans.

"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."