Argentina pair aim to inflict pain
Franco di Santo
FRANCO di Santo is hoping he and countryman Mauro Boselli can inflict their own brand of misery on Premier League defences this season.
Di Santo, an Argentina Under-20 international, admits the presence at the DW of Boselli, who has two full caps, helped persuade him to join Wigan from Chelsea last week on a three-year contract.
And the pair could get their first run-out in tandem this weekend against Sunderland, with fellow frontman Hugo Rodallega having been away with the Colombian squad.
“I hope to play up front with Mauro but, if not, I am happy to be in the same squad as him,” Di Santo told the Evening Post.
“He has been one of the best players in Argentina for a few years now, has been the top goalscorer for the past two years, and hopefully he can help me to become a better player.
“It would be great to have two strikers both from Argentina in the team – that would make me very proud.
“I can’t wait to get going now and hopefully give the Wigan fans the win they deserve against Sunderland.”
There were a host of clubs interested in Di Santo when Chelsea decided to cash in, but he says the Spanish influence at the DW means he has made the right choice.
“I know a few of the South American players, like Mauro and Hugo, and that should help me to settle in,” added Di Santo.
“There is a lot of quality in every position and hopefully we should all have a big season ahead.
“Last season was very challenging for me (on loan at Blackburn), but a good experience overall.
“For the first half of the year I played, for the second half of the year I didn’t.
“Hopefully, though, I have come out of it a better player which will enable me to start strongly for Wigan.
“The most important thing is that the coach has faith in my ability and that gives me a lot of confidence.
“I am determined to do my best now and help Wigan to become a better football club.
“Of course it helps that the manager speaks Spanish, as do several of the other players. I am just happy to be here.”
After two years in England, Di Santo feels he is ready to push for a regular start in a Premier League side, and he can’t wait to get going.
He explained: “Wigan is a great club for a young player to join, to fight for a place and learn about the game.
“Of course it was a difficult decision to leave Chelsea, because everybody wants to play for one of the big teams.
“But at this stage in my career I really need to play and I have to test my ability as a player.
“This is a very good opportunity and the perfect club in which to do that.”
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Friday 10 February 2012
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