Gary Caldwell reveals he left Celtic for Wigan as he did not feel valued by Hoops boss Tony Mowbray.
Latics new boy explains motivation for leaving Celtic
Gary Caldwell has revealed he left Celtic for Wigan as he did not feel valued by Hoops boss Tony Mowbray.
The 27-year-old completed his move to the DW Stadium on Wednesday after contract talks had broken down at Parkhead.
Caldwell believes Mowbray is keen to undertake a major reshuffle at the Bhoys and admits he never felt wanted by the former West Brom chief.
He said: "A contract was originally in the offing at Celtic and, as happens many times, one party wants one thing and one wants the other and you can't come to an agreement.
"I think I had opinions of what I was worth to the club and they had different opinions.
"That happens in football. I don't think they will have any regrets, and hopefully I won't either.
"In the end it was time for me to move on. The writing had been on the wall for a long time.
"I have nothing against the club, I thank everyone at the club for all they have done for me over the years.
"I did my very best for them right up until the last day I was there and I think that is all you can ask.
"I would have stayed until the end of the season as I was more than willing to help the club try to win the league."
In demand
Mowbray's predecessor Gordon Strachan was keen to take Caldwell to Middlesbrough but the defender decided to sign for the Latics after encouraging talks with Roberto Martinez.
"It was crazy at the start of the week. Gordon Strachan was a big pull at Middlesbrough as I had a great relationship with him.
"But Roberto spoke to me a lot and convinced me to come to Wigan and challenge myself in the Premier League.
"When you get older you appreciate it when managers want you. I think Roberto has done that.
"He had a lot of information on me that even I didn't know about. It is good to feel wanted and he really made me feel wanted here.
"It was pretty last-minute and I think that was down to the manager here who was very persistent and in the end I just had to come here because he didn't give up.
"He told me he had a big plans and that really excited me and I'm looking forward to it."
