Born In Argentina Made In Wigan - Franco Di Santo

Franco Di Santo has been called up into the Argentina squad for their friendly game against Saudi Arabia on November 14th

The call up is the result of Franco's transition from a young striker with bag's of potential but quite raw, to one who looks likely to score every time he takes to the field

The run-in at the end of last season saw the 23 year old come into his own and he was the clubs main striker, finishing the season as Latics leading goal scorer with seven goals from 32 appearances in the Premier League, the new campaign has got off to a good start, Di Santo is forming a great partnership with new signing Arouna Kone and they have three goals each, but it is his all round play that catches the eye

Since joining the Latics from Chelsea in August 2010 for £2 million, Franco's development has been sensational, always an eager runner, under the guidance of manager Roberto Martinez he has brought intelligence to his play, harrying defenders, playing the foil and his positional play has improved beyond recognition. He has scored some sensational goals, one against Newcastle last term springs to mind as simply outstanding

Martinez say's Franco is very proud to have received the call up, speaking to the Wigan Evening Post he said - 'Just to be called up is an incredible achievement'

'You look on the right handside and you see Lionel Messi, you look to the left and you see Kun Aguero and you've got Tevez who hasn't been called up and Higuain. They are world class players who are winning trophies.

'It's been a fascinating journey to see his transformation from a young boy with great potential to a proper footballer who can achieve a lot in the game. He was very, very proud.'

There is the small question of contracts looming, Di Santo's current deal runs out in the summer, but no panic say's the gaffer - 'I'm pretty confident (he will stay)'

'If I'm honest, we haven't even looked into it yet in detail. We have had conversations as we always have with all the players as they get into that situation but we all know what we want and what we want is to carry on with the development.'

Di Santo always looks happy, he plays with a smile on his face and if being happy is the key to staying I am sure that new contract will be signed before too long. Born in Argentina, made in Wigan, let`s keep that development going hey Franco


The latest PWU Podcast is now available, this week's edition was recorded live on location at the DW Stadium on Tuesday night, before, during and after the Capital One Cup tie against Bradford City.

The mood amongst the lads goes from certainty, to one of optimism and then despair as the Latics are knocked out on penalties.

The West Ham game from last weekend is reviewed for the first three minutes, then it's on to the cup tie, as the game unfolds the frustration and disappointment is there for all to witness, the Spurs preview comes in on 16 minutes

The podcast is available for download from iTunes, our hosting site www.buzzsprout.com or you can click play on the player below to listen from here

As always feedback is welcome, plus if you want to get involved in the podcast please contact us here at Vital Latics wigan@vitalfootball.co.uk , mark your email Podcast




















Latics and Proud



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