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Finish on a high, Hugo
Wigan striker Hugo Rodallega
ROBERTO Martinez has challenged Hugo Rodallega to end the season with a bang – even if it means ensuring his future lies away from Wigan Athletic.
The Colombian was widely tipped to leave Latics during January, but ended up staying despite interest from Fulham, QPR and Spurs.
Rodallega’s contract with Wigan expires at the end of the season, when he would be able to negotiate his next move as a free agent.
But Martinez insists Wigan’s all-time record goalscorer has more than enough to occupy his mind in the meantime – not least helping Latics retain their Premier League status.
“The most important thing is the football club, and the next 15 games,” Martinez reasoned.
“But there is a big difference between having Hugo Rodallega available and not having him – there’s no two ways about that.
“We never agreed any valuation with any football club – that was never the case at all.
“There was a lot of talk but no club met our valuation and that is that.
“All I know is we are a must stronger side when Hugo’s playing – and we’ll need his goals, his experience and his fight if we are to achieve our goals.
“We’re delighted he’s still here, and now it’s a case of ensuring every individual remains is committed to the group.”
Rodallega only has two goals to his name this term – against Sunderland and QPR – but Martinez expects him to regain top form now all the uncertainty over his future has been removed.
He also refused to rule out the possibility of the former Necaxa man extending his stay with Wigan beyond this season.
“Hugo still hasn’t decided what the future holds for him. He wants to see what the next three months brings,” the Wigan boss revealed.
“But he hasn’t ruled out signing a new contract here, so I think it would be premature to try to second guess what his next move will be.
“A week can be a long time in football, so three months is an absolute eternity.
“What is clear is that Hugo’s fully focused on what he has to do here – which is to perform at a high level.
“Hugo is just an incredible character – his biggest strength is the mental side of his game.
“He wants to help the group – which is the only thing that matters between now and the summer.
“Hugo’s always said that he’ll give everything he has for Wigan Athletic – as he always has in the past – and his personal situation is not going to affect that. He knows what we need for him.”
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Weather for Wigan
Saturday 26 May 2012
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Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 23 mph
Wind direction: East
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Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
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Comments
There are 9 comments to this article
Page 1 of 1
jerseyman
Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 12:03 PMScarecrow obviuosly sent in before 4:30 Sunday afternoon
Scarecrow
Sunday, February 5, 2012 at 09:42 AMfinchman At least the egg chasers in lycra as you put it, win games.
elven
Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 01:15 PMfinchman, I live in Spain now, everyone knows Latics, either English through the Prem or Spanish 'cos they are interested in RM (or any Spanish manager or player). Mention where you come from and they either laugh or shake their heads
mona
Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 10:40 AMSad to say there is still a lot of fans who believe all the pap that's poured out from this club. I am from the lancs comb era and agree with 61. Furthermore if Lennigan offered to take over Latics I'd be over the moon.
skipper61
Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 09:22 AMbeen watching latics since npl days not a johnny come lately the team is the disgrace to the town bet most have never heard of springfield park finchman must be an idiot if he thinks watching that every week is acceptable yes i do wtch rugby i support both teams with my hard earned cash dont wear blinkers
finchman
Friday, February 3, 2012 at 08:55 PMskipper61,stick to watching them fat egg chasers in lycra,you are a disgrace to your town.
thepieshavegone
Friday, February 3, 2012 at 03:30 PMAgree with BrazilianTic. Let up front on his own. Same old story. Same young manager.
skipper61
Friday, February 3, 2012 at 03:06 PMrodallega crap di santo crap diame crap in fact the whole team is crap with a crap manager
BrazilianTic
Friday, February 3, 2012 at 02:20 PMNot as good as martinez tries to make him out, he can score goals but not prolific, he would get more chances to score if u changed the way u play, playin him alone up front doesnt work and it has taken u 2 years to still not realise this. Want to say all the best hugo for the future and ty for your time at the club.
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