Umeå says good bye to Marta
Less than an hour ago Umeå IK submitted a press release, declaring that have left the negotiations with Marta's agent Fabiano Farah and thanks Marta for the five years they have had together.
In the press release Umeå tells that they submitted their final offer December 5. Farah acknowledged that he had recieved it and promised to return to the club within a week. They haven't heard from him since. This uninterest to discuss with the club that has been Marta's employer for the last five years makes Umeå withdraw their offer and leave the negotiations.
In the press release they are also paying tribute to Marta and calls her five seasons in Umeå "unbelievable" and says that she has "both fulfilled and exceeded" all expectations. After some more praise, they finish "We will miss her, not only as a player but also as the wonderful person she is. We wish her all the best wherever she will put down her football boots."
Västerbottens Folkblad: UIK avslutar affären med Marta
Since the only remaining known bidder for Marta is Los Angeles Sol in the American WPS league, I think we now can consider Marta's move a done deal.
..."as the wonderful person she is" ? Never heard that before. Is she know as such?
Marta is extremely competitive on the pitch, regardless if it is match or training. Outside, she is mostly smiling, close to both laughter and tears. Easy to talk to, easy accessible to journalists and fans. Does a lot of promotional and charity appearances.
When Marta scored 6 goals in her last Damallsvenskan match to claim the goal scorer of the year title, this was a team effort, her team mates farewell gift. I think it was Johanna Rasmussen who scored the last goal in that match, and she commented something like "I tried to give it to Marta but screwed up and had to score myself". I don't think that would have happened to a player that wasn't liked by her mates as a person, not just a player.
Marta has been with Umeå from age 17 to 22. There is a lot of parental pride in the club's good bye statement. And all children are wonderful in the eyes of their parents.
Marta's move to LA was confirmed yesterday by Brazilian press (http://globoesporte.globo.com/Esportes/Noticias/Futebol/0,,MUL949484-9842,00.html).