SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that the club has signed Honduran 2010 World Cup veteran Walter “Pery” Martinez. Per league and team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Martinez, 30, has 12 goals and over 40 caps for the Honduras national team since 2002. He played in each of Los Catrachos’ three games at the 2010 World Cup, including a full 90 minutes against Spain and second-half appearances against Switzerland and Chile.
"Walter is a player that we have been aware of the past few years and have been impressed with," said Earthquakes head coach Frank Yallop. "We like his experience playing for Honduras and he gives us another quality attacking option. We think he will fit in well with the squad."
Nicknamed “Pery,” the shifty attacker began his career with CD Victoria of the Honduran first division in 2001, the same club that groomed current Earthquakes midfielder Marvin Chavez. He then moved to CD Vida and CD Marathon in Honduras before joining Beijing Guoan of the Chinese league. After spending 2007-08 abroad, Martinez moved to Deportivo Alaves in Spain for part of 2009 before moving back to CD Marathon. The well-traveled Martinez would then return to Beijing Guoan in 2010-11 before settling in with Chongqing FC in 2012.
“Walter has a wealth of experience having competed in the 2010 World Cup for Honduras. Now, we’re looking forward to seeing him on the field,” said Earthquakes general manager John Doyle.
Martinez holds a United States permanent residency card and does not count as an international player on the Earthquakes’ roster.
Transaction: San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) – San Jose Earthquakes sign F/M Walter Martinez.
Walter Martinez
Jersey Number: 10
Position: Forward/Midfielder
Height: 5-6
Weight: 145
Born: March 24, 1982 in Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Hometown: Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Last Club: Chongqing FC (China)
Citizenship: Honduras (Holds U.S. permanent residency card)
