New £10m striker Obafemi Martins is ready to wear the No 9 shirt vacated by Alan Shearer after signing a five-year deal with Newcastle United. And the former Inter Milan man was surprised at the reaction from the Toon Army on Thursday, seeing the man who was replacing their hero.
Martins: "I cannot believe the reception I got and I cannot wait to get out there and play for those supporters. As far as Alan Shearer is concerned, he was something else - he was a great player.
"I want to score goals at this club, and I have confidence in myself that I will do that. I hope by the grace of God, that I can be a great replacement for Alan Shearer.
"I am very, very happy to be here. It is my dream come true to get the chance to play in the Premiership. I am really happy, and I would like to thank the chairman and the manager for making this possible. They wanted me to come to Newcastle, and I am delighted to be playing here.
"This is the first time I have been to the stadium, and I am very impressed. It is beautiful, very impressive. I have heard about the great fans at this club, and I am looking forward to playing for them.
"I will say that they will see a lot from me. Not just goals, but they will see me helping the team as well. I know Emre from his time in Milan, and also Celestine Babayaro. I haven't spoken to them recently, but I know they both say great things about this club and I am looking forward to seeing them."
