Arouna Kone has revealed it was Wigan manager Roberto Martinez's commitment to passing football that convinced him to sign for the club.
Vision of Wigan boss sold the club to new striker
Arouna Kone has revealed it was Wigan manager Roberto Martinez's commitment to passing football that convinced him to sign for the club.
The Ivory Coast international striker joined the Latics from Spanish side Levante on Tuesday for an undisclosed fee, penning a three-year deal.
The 28-year-old, who scored 15 goals last season as Levante surprised everyone to finish sixth in La Liga, was particularly impressed by Martinez's determination to sign him.
Kone told Wigan's
official website: "I'm very happy to be here and I'm doubly happy because I know how hard the manager has had to fight to get me here.
"I'm impatient to get started with my new club. It's a great challenge for me.
Philosophy
"Roberto has told me about the philosophy of the club, how it's a family club. He is a young manager who is trying to build something special here.
"He told me how he likes his teams to play on the floor, which is a style that I'm used to in Spain, and these were words which really persuaded me to join."
Wigan kick-off their Premier League campaign at home to Chelsea on Sunday and Kone admits he is hoping to be involved.
He added: "It's up to the manager of course but I'm ready having done all of my pre-season with Levante. I feel great and I would love to be able to take part in such a big game.
"I'm going to give my all every time I put the shirt on this season and I'm sure we can make progress in the league. I really hope that the fans will be satisfied that I'm a player who gives everything."
