Monday 8 September 2014 22:29, UK
Andy Delort says he is even more determined to prove himself at Wigan after delays in his deadline day switch from Tours.
Delort, who cost a fee reported to be just short of £3million from the French second tier side, was the subject of much speculation throughout the summer as a host of English clubs were said to be keen.
Brentford, Charlton Athletic, Wolves, Leeds and QPR were among the clubs reported to be tracking the highly-rated striker, but he opted to join Uwe Rosler’s Wigan after topping the Ligue 2 scoring charts.
Delort was eager for a move to England but found Tours standing in the way of him before he finally put pen to paper at the DW Stadium.
"It was a very difficult period for me, one that’s probably changed me a little bit as a person," he told the Wigan Evening Post.
"I was being presented with this amazing opportunity that kept being taken away from me.
"I feel I’ve matured more as a person, and realised that when opportunities are presented you have to take them.
"Now I’m here I want to repay the faith. This is the start of an adventure, not the end. I am fiercely ambitious, and I want to progress with Wigan Athletic."
Delort was not signed in time to feature in Wigan’s 4-0 win over Birmingham but he was presented to the home fans ahead of the game and says he was picturing himself in the side.
"That’s something I do anyway – every time I watch a football match I visualise things I can do, movements I can make," he said.
"And watching Saturday’s game I was licking my lips at the thought of playing in this team.
"I thought Callum (McManaman) was exceptional going forward, his touch was amazing and his finishing was fantastic. He also provided the kind of service that I relish.
"I also thought Emmerson (Boyce) was a really dominant figure at the back, a really calming influence, while the two wing-backs were very impressive the way they bombed forward and then got back into position."
