Ivory Coast defender Steve Gohouri looks set to sign a new deal with Wigan Athletic.
Defender hopes to extend Latics deal
Ivory Coast defender Steve Gohouri looks set to sign a new deal with Wigan Athletic.
The centre-half joined Wigan in January from Borussia Monchengladbach on a deal until the end of the season.
He has battled his way back to full fitness after suffering with malaria last summer and scored the equaliser in their 2-2 draw with Hull City on Monday.
Gohouri is now looking to settle his future before heading off to the World Cup finals and he admits that, despite interest from other clubs, he would prefer to stay with Wigan.
"No matter what happens regarding the World Cup, what Roberto Martinez and the chairman did for me, giving me this chance is immeasurable," he told
skysports.com.
"Last June, coming back from a stage with the national team, I got malaria and I was almost dead to the game.
"Almost no one knows it, because my agent was there for me every second and protected me, if Wigan really want me I will sign for them because I owe a lot to them.
"Today I just want to go out and give back to Wigan and those who have always believed in me, a little of what they gave me."
World Cup hope
Gohouri, who has been watched by Ivorian boss Sven Goran Eriksson in recent weeks, admits he is desperate to play in South Africa.
"I'll do everything to stay in the Premier League, and the World Cup is a dream of any top footballer," he said.
"I want to realise this dream, Mr Eriksson will choose his players and I want to be part of that."
