Kamlesh Barjati
Banned
- Joined
- 26 May 2011
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Goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi has joined Wigan Athletic from Bolton Wanderers for an undisclosed fee.
The Omani international enjoyed a successful loan spell at the DW Stadium last season, and after the two sides agreed a fee, he has put pen-to-paper on a four-year deal.
Manager Roberto Martinez told the club's official website: "We are delighted to announce the best possible news for Wigan Athletic in securing Ali permanently.
"During his loan at our football club last season, Ali brought a great degree of professionalism in his daily work and put in many outstanding performances in the Premier League.
"Goalkeeping is a very specific position and we are very pleased that we are going to be very strong in this department going into the new season.
"Being voted Player of The Season reflects the huge impression that Ali had on the pitch but also the feeling of the supporters towards him.
"After making it really clear that he wanted to play for Wigan Athletic moving forwards we've done everything possible to make this happen.
"The Chairman and everyone at the football club are delighted that Ali will be staying and I'm sure every single Latics fan will feel extremely proud and be able to enjoy a great day after hearing this news."
Al Habsi made just 10 league appearances for Bolton after joining the Trotters in 2006.
He said: "I am very happy. I want to thank everyone at Bolton for helping me get established in this country but I need to be playing first team football, and hopefully, if I can stay fit and keep doing my best, I will get the chance again at Wigan.
"I think the gaffer is building a really exciting young team here and I am thrilled that I can be a part of that again. I am so grateful that the gaffer gave me the chance to prove what I can do and now I want to repay him, and the Wigan fans, for making me so welcome last season."
The 29-year-old played 34 times for Wigan last season, keeping eight clean sheets as the Latics registered the fewest number of Premier League defeats in the club's history, 14.
www.wiganlatics.co.uk
http://www.premierleague.com/page/Headlines/0,,12306~2386110,00.html
The Omani international enjoyed a successful loan spell at the DW Stadium last season, and after the two sides agreed a fee, he has put pen-to-paper on a four-year deal.
Manager Roberto Martinez told the club's official website: "We are delighted to announce the best possible news for Wigan Athletic in securing Ali permanently.
"During his loan at our football club last season, Ali brought a great degree of professionalism in his daily work and put in many outstanding performances in the Premier League.
"Goalkeeping is a very specific position and we are very pleased that we are going to be very strong in this department going into the new season.
"Being voted Player of The Season reflects the huge impression that Ali had on the pitch but also the feeling of the supporters towards him.
"After making it really clear that he wanted to play for Wigan Athletic moving forwards we've done everything possible to make this happen.
"The Chairman and everyone at the football club are delighted that Ali will be staying and I'm sure every single Latics fan will feel extremely proud and be able to enjoy a great day after hearing this news."
Al Habsi made just 10 league appearances for Bolton after joining the Trotters in 2006.
He said: "I am very happy. I want to thank everyone at Bolton for helping me get established in this country but I need to be playing first team football, and hopefully, if I can stay fit and keep doing my best, I will get the chance again at Wigan.
"I think the gaffer is building a really exciting young team here and I am thrilled that I can be a part of that again. I am so grateful that the gaffer gave me the chance to prove what I can do and now I want to repay him, and the Wigan fans, for making me so welcome last season."
The 29-year-old played 34 times for Wigan last season, keeping eight clean sheets as the Latics registered the fewest number of Premier League defeats in the club's history, 14.
www.wiganlatics.co.uk
http://www.premierleague.com/page/Headlines/0,,12306~2386110,00.html
