Defender delighted to be a Latic and relishing Premier League test

In his first interview since joining Wigan Athletic Steve Gohouri explained how delighted he is to have joined the club, and excited about the prospect of playing in the Barclays Premier League.

The centre-half came through an initial trial period with flying colours with Roberto Martinez deciding to take on the 28-year-old until the end of the season, thus becoming the first Ivory Coast national to represent the club, and he's looking forward to showing everyone what he's capable of:

"I'm really happy to have joined because it give me the chance to show what I'm capable of in the Premier League," said Gohouri.

"I can play anywhere across the defence but I'm most comfortable playing at centre-half, that's my preferred position.

"I wouldn't want to say what type of defender I am but I'm sure people will get to see what my qualities are on the pitch.

"My new team-mates have been very welcoming and I'm looking forward to training and playing alongside them.

"The manager has told me to simply enjoy my football, work hard and concentrate on the tasks ahead. I'm sure there will be plenty of challenges ahead but I'm ready to take them on.

"It's a big challenge for me overall coming to the Premier League, but as a footballer I've always wanted to play in this country. All the strikers in the league are big players and every week will be a new test and I'm looking forward to that.

"There are big differences between the Premier League and the Bundesliga, notably the intensity. In England that level is much higher and there are many more one-on-one incidents during the game, so I know it will be very hard but I'm here now and I'll have to work hard and challenge for a place in the team."

Martinez also commented on the decision to sign the former Borussia Monchengladbach man, pointing out the qualities he'll bring to the squad:

"We are delighted to welcome Steve to Wigan Athletic from the German Bundesliga," said the gaffer.

"He's a powerful defender with plenty of pace and we all hope that he's going to reach match-fitness really soon, because he's not had that recently.

"As a player he's going to give us a different outlook and he'll be a great asset to have in the squad. He's got great experience, international pedigree and is desperate to get into the Ivory Coast squad for this summer's World Cup.

"So it's important for him to have a successful second-half of the season with Wigan Athletic and he brings different strengths to our back-line which will be important for the rest of the campaign.

"The Bundesliga and the Premier League are completely different in many aspects but also similar in other areas. Steve is an out-and-out defender, has great awareness, strength and is good in the air, qualities he's enhanced whilst in Germany.

"You can see he has a huge desire to be successful here at Wigan Athletic and that's very important for us."

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