Wigan defender Erik Edman heads home after contract is cancelled

Published: 09 Feb 2010 - 00:21:35

Rss feed

Wigan defender Erik Edman heads home after contract is cancelled

Homeward bound: Edman is going back to Sweden Wigan defender Erik Edman has left the club after his contract was cancelled by mutual consent. The 31-year-old has played just four times this season and made only two Barclays Premier League starts, one of which saw him terrorised by Aaron Lennon in the 9-1 defeat at Tottenham in November. He has featured only once since then, as a late substitute in the 5-0 loss at Manchester United. With first-choice left-back Maynor Figueroa having signed a new contract this month, the Swede's options at the DW Stadium were limited. He was not in manager Roberto Martinez's long-term plans and the Latics boss has allowed him to leave to get him off the wage bill. Edman has been in talks with his first professional club, Helsingborg, over a return to his homeland and he is expected to sign for them. Edman, who joined Wigan from Rennes in January 2008, has struggled with injury during his Latics career, with a cruciate knee ligament injury sidelining him for a long period. 'We found an agreement to allow Erik to go back home as I believe that is what he wanted to do,' said Martinez. 'He has had a very tough period with a long-term injury and I'm sure he'll go back home and try to finish his career back in Sweden. 'He was nearly 18 months without first-team action and he needs to play games. The best way to do it is to go back to his home environment and get that feelgood factor. 'It is important he can be happy. I don't think he could find happiness without playing football. 'The whole situation was getting a bit difficult for him and I think it is the best solution for him to carry on enjoying his football.' WIGAN v Stoke: Boss Roberto Martinez has healthy Latics squadInternational recognition is a matter of 'when' not 'if' for Charles N'Zogbia according to Wigan boss Roberto MartinezSunderland 1 Wigan 1: Sorry Black Cats try keeping up with JonesRoberto Martinez expects Victor Moses and Marcelo Moreno to end Wigan's goal shortageTottenham 9 Wigan 1: Harry Redknapp's rant lifts Spurs to record spree as Jermain Defoe hits fiveWIGAN ATHLETIC FC