Zurich - The reigning women's Footballer of the Year Marta on Monday confirmed that she would be leaving her Swedish club Umea IK to move to the US.

The 22-year-old Brazilian confirmed at a press conference in Zurich that she would be joining the Los Angeles Lakers on a three- year contract. "It is a fantastic project and it will be the best league in the world."

Her team-mate Cristiane also announced that she would be joining the US league. "I will be travelling to Chicago in February to join the Chicago Red Stars and I am confident that I will feel comfortable there," the offensive player said.

The two Brazilians and Germany's Birgit Prinz and Nadine Angerer, as well as England's Kelly Smith are the finalists for the 2008 women's Footballer of the Year award, which was being announced in Zurich Monday. (dpa)