Latics tie up Amaya deal

14 August 2009 17:40
Wigan Athletic have completed the signing of Spanish defender Antonio Amaya on a three-year contract from Rayo Vallecano. The Premier League club have spent the past week in talks with Rayo regarding a deal for Amaya and team-mate Mohamed Diame. Though the Diame deal has been held up due to a medical issue, Amaya has finalised his switch to the DW Stadium for an undisclosed fee. Latics boss Roberto Martinez is delighted with the deal and is confident his compatriot will make a big impression this season. "Antonio is someone I have admired from a distance for a long time and I am very happy we have convinced him to come to us," Martinez told the club's official website. "He is a really powerful lad, technically excellent, with good pace and he will fit in well to our system. I have no doubts about him adjusting to English football. "Antonio is a quality player, with an excellent mix of experience and professionalism and he is enthusiastic about joining the club. "He has been the captain of his club for three years, which shows you his leadership qualities. He will add great competition to our squad and I know that he is desperate to play for Wigan Athletic and is hungry to have success here." Amaya, meanwhile, has outlined his determination to repay Martinez's faith after securing a dream move to the Premier League. "To play in England is a big dream for me and I am honoured that Wigan have chosen me," said Amaya. "I want to do everything I can to show Roberto Martinez and the people of Wigan they have made a good choice. "I just need to be totally focused now on trying to earn a place in what is a very talented and competitive squad and try and make a good impression to my new team-mates, the manager and the supporters of my new club."

Source: SKY_Sports