Stam deal excites Martinez

Wigan boss feels full-back is at the peak of his career

Last updated: 31st July 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Stam deal excites Martinez

Martinez: Delighted to sign Stam

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Roberto Martinez believes Wigan Athletic have pulled off a coup after finalising the signing of defender Ronnie Stam from FC Twente.

Stam, who was recently linked with a move to Ajax, has signed a three-year contract at the DW Stadium and arrives for an undisclosed fee.

The Dutchman's capture will help to fill the void created by his compatriot Mario Melchiot's departure and he will fight for the right to start at right-back.

Latics boss Martinez is delighted to bring in the 26-year-old and is confident Stam is ready to make an impact in the Premier League.

Fantastic

"We're extremely excited at Wigan Athletic to welcome Ronnie into our club," Martinez told the club's official website.

"At 26 years of age he is at the peak of his career and, after playing a massive role in FC Twente's championship winning season last campaign, it is fantastic to bring a player of such calibre to our club.

"I'm sure the fans will welcome Ronnie and help him to enjoy his football here, whilst also becoming an important member of the Dutch national side."

Stam added: "It's really exciting for me to be joining the English Premier League, I can't wait to get started now!"

Of the deal, Twente's club president Joop Munsterman said: "Ronnie has had the chance to develop as a footballer during the past two seasons with FC Twente.

"He has taken that opportunity with both hands. Last season he played in the championship-winning team and this week he received an invitation for a Dutch national team exhibition game.

"Ronnie indicated he wanted to move to a foreign league. Wigan were prepared to pay the required transfer fee."

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