Ali Al-Habsi vows to repay Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez – EPL News
Wigan Athletic’s newly signed goalkeeper, Ali Al-Habsi, has claimed that he now aims to prove his worth to the Latics manager, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Martinez-c24468, who brought the Omani goalkeeper to the DW Stadium.
Wigan Athletic announced the signing of Ali from Bolton Wanderers on a permanent deal for a reported fee of £4 million.
The former Bolton Wanderers played his last season at Wigan Athletic on loan and was a revelation at DW Stadium. Al-Habsi’s outstanding performances for the Latics throughout the season attracted interest from a number of Premier League clubs.
Wigan Athletic, however, were always the favourites to sign the Arabian keeper and Al-Habsi also wanted to make a permanent switch to DW Stadium after enjoying highly successful loan spells with the Latics.
After rejecting Wigan Athletic’s two formal bids, Bolton Wanderers finally accepted the Latics offer for the Omani custodian.
The 29-year-old is happy to join the Latics and has claimed that he is determined to prove his worth to Roberto Martinez.
He said, “I am so grateful that the gaffer gave me the chance to prove what I can do and now I want to repay him, and the Wigan fans, for making me so welcome last season.”
Ali was declared Wigan Athletic’s Player of the Season for his consistent and impressive performances in the season ended, becoming the first loan player to win the Player of the Year award.
The 29-year-old expressed his contentment on spending a successful loan spell at Wigan Athletic and is proud to win the Player of the Year award.
“To come from Bolton on a season-long loan and get player of the year was great, especially when it was my first time as a professional to play week after week,” added Ali.
The Omani international is determined to give better performances next season.
He said, “I come here with 100 per cent focus and to give everything for this club. Everyone was maybe excited by the performances I showed [last season] and I hope to give more to the gaffer for keeping me at this club.”
The 29-year-old midfielder kept eight clean sheets in 34 matches for Wigan Athletic last season.
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