Franco’s champing at the bit
Franco Di Santo
NEW Latics capture Franco Di Santo is determined to make a huge impression after turning down other offers in favour of a move to the DW Stadium.
Argentine Under-20 international striker Di Santo joined Latics from Chelsea barely minutes before Tuesday’s 6pm transfer deadline, and now he is focused on challenging for a place in the team having secured himself ‘the right move’.
“I think I need to come to Wigan Athletic at this point in may career,” Di Santo said.
“Chelsea is a fantastic club but I didn’t have too many opportunities there. At my age (21) I need to be playing regular football so it’s an important move for me.
“I hope to earn a place in the team and then try my hardest to stay there.
“Tuesday was a bit tense because we got to the last 10-15 minutes before the deadline and the transfer hadn’t gone through. In the end the paperwork went through and the move was complete – it was a great feeling.
“There were some other offers, but Wigan was the move I wanted. I wanted to stay in England, in the best league in the world and join a club that is moving in the right direction.
“Together with my friends and family I decided this was the right move for me.”
Di Santo, who signed a three-year Latics contract after an undisclosed fee was paid to Chelsea, added: “Roberto Martinez and I spoke about the club, where he wants to take it and how he wants me to play a part in that. I’m still young so I think that if I try my best and work hard here I will get the chance to play.”
Meanwhile, Latics owner and chairman Dave Whelan has once again reiterated his unconditional support for manager Martinez, even going so far as to say he may leave the club if the Spaniard did.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Whelan said: “I rate Roberto highly and said to the fans, if you want his head, you’ll get mine as well.
“Had they insisted, and even if we would have lost at Tottenham and they start crying for his head and had he asked to go, I would definitely have resigned with him.”
Latics opened their season with a 4-0 loss to Blackpool and followed that with a 6-0 defeat to Chelsea, before winning 1-0 at Spurs on Saturday.
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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