Court hears Obafemi Martins was broke on £75,000 a week

Nov 20 2009 by Rob Pattinson, The Journal

The court heard Mr Martins signed up with Nathaniel in July 2007, arranging a £2m image rights deal for the star. He had not been paid anything for the use of his name on Newcastle shirts and mugs before NVA stepped in, it was claimed.

The company also chased-up outstanding payments of thousands from sponsorship deals with brands including Pepsi and Nike, organised visas, passports, mortgage and property valuations, and critical illness cover for the star, the court was told.

Looking at the size of the fees charged, Judge Richard Seymour QC, said: “But surely these were things a secretary could do. It was a Jeeves-type of role that they performed.”

Mr Temmink protested “managing his life” was just part of what they did. He said Mr Martins had come to them and agreed a fee of around £300,000 plus 20% of any sponsorship monies they managed to get in.

Mr Temmink said: “He asked for these services to be carried out... Day to day life with superstars is demanding and superstars are demanding.”

The court was told Mr Martins had paid out £67,502.52 in January last year and another £25,031.25 in April last year. But the question for the court, Mr Temmink said, was whether there was “a binding obligation” for him to pay the outstanding bill.

A year after signing with NVA, Mr Martins was left devastated when his mother Alhaja, 62, died suddenly after collapsing in a car in Lagos.

After the distraught player flew straight home to be with his family Mr Nathaniel told The Journal: “His mother was a guiding light to him and had a strong influence on his life.

“At this difficult time it is important they are allowed to mourn their loss in private.”

A writ from the firm was served on the footballer the following week.

The case is expected to continue for a further two days.