Martinez targets new signings

Latics chief could not deny Valencia move to champions

Last updated: 30th June 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Martinez targets new signings

Martinez: Has targets in mind

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Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez says he is working 'flat out' to secure new signings after selling Antonio Valencia to Manchester United.

Valencia completed his anticipated move to the Premier League champions on Tuesday evening, with the Latics receiving a record fee for the winger.

New Latics chief Martinez made a late attempt to persuade the Ecuador international to stay at the JJB Stadium, but concedes he could not deny the 23-year-old a move to Old Trafford.

"I was not here when he arrived, but Antonio has become a big star at the club," Martinez told the club's official website.

"He has been a marvellous player for us and now we will benefit enormously from the money that we get for him.

Strong message

"As long as any deal is in the best long term interests of the club, and I believe this one is, then I will sanction it, and I know the chairman agrees.

"The bottom line here is that when two of the biggest clubs in the world come knocking, it would be near on impossible for any other club to prevent the move - even Manchester United couldn't stop Ronaldo leaving in the end, could they?

"Antonio signed a long-term deal here 18 months ago, and this has now enabled us to get a fantastic price for him, a club record fee.

"Every club outside the top four is probably a selling club, and when you look at the careers of players like Antonio, or Wilson Palacios, or even Emile Heskey who regained his England shirt while he was here and earned himself a great move, it sends out a really strong message that Wigan Athletic is a very good prospect for players wanting to make a name for themselves in the Premier League, a club that gives players a chance and gives them a platform on which to shine.

"That is what really interests me."

Martinez now plans to use the money from the sale of Valencia to boost his own squad, having already brought in Jordi Gomez since being appointed Wigan manager.

He added: "Football is about looking forwards. Everyone at the club wishes Antonio all the best, but we have to move on as a club, and now it is my job to find quality additions to the squad.

"We have several more targets in mind and we are working flat out to try and bring in the right players to improve the team."