Martinez delight for Di Santo

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez believes Franco Di Santo's call-up to the Argentina squad is richly deserved and he can only benefit from training with the national side.

Last Updated: 14/11/12 at 13:25 Post Comment

Roberto Martinez: Has backed Franco Di Santo to come back from international dut

Roberto Martinez: Has backed Franco Di Santo to come back from international dut

The 23-year-old has been rubbing shoulders with the likes of Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero in training and could earn his first cap in Wednesday's friendly with Saudi Arabia.

The call-up is reward and recognition for his form with Wigan since the turn of the year, where he helped the side escape relegation last season before contributing to a solid start this campaign.

Martinez is delighted Di Santo has been called up, especially considering the competition he faces for a striking spot in Argentina's forward line.

"Franco Di Santo is developing into a top footballer," said Martinez. "He's only 23 but he's come on a lot.

"Obviously being called up by Argentina and playing with the likes of Messi and Sergio Aguero is going to do him a lot of good.

"I could see it coming because I work with him every day. You get a bit biased because you know the player.

"We always believed in Franco - we paid big money for our limitations financially. We're just so glad that he's been able to develop into the player that he is today.

"We hope that he can enjoy the experience and come back to help us."

Compliment

Martinez also feels the call-up reflects well on Wigan and their growing status in English football.

The Latics are enjoying their eighth successive season in the top flight and Martinez thinks they are now getting recognition for the way they play their football.

"I was a little bit surprised with the knowledge the national team coach Alejandro Sabella has shown because, to know a striker at Wigan Athletic, it shows you that they are incredibly professional in the way they follow their players," added the former Swansea chief.

"It's a real compliment to Wigan. The way we play probably attracts the interests of national team managers.

"We didn't do before and that's a real compliment. Franco deserves huge, huge credit for the achievement."

Football365 Facebook Fan Page

The Football365 fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

I

thought you were describing Bart Simpson there from the episode where he sold his soul to Milhouse. I wonder do automatic doors work for Michael Owen.

sulman
The Evaporation Of Michael Owen

R

afa Benitez has won more trophies (10) over the past 11 years than the rest of the current managers in the EPL combined, except for Alex Ferguson.

angry bird
Chelsea duo salute Benitez

T

he day Tonys hat goes missing for some bantz will be different story altogether..

TheBrestEver
Stoke probe 'banter gone wild'

Footer 365

No way Jose will stay at Real

Jose Mourinho is reportedly set to leave Real Madrid at the end of the season as speculation grows about his return to Chelsea.

Rodwell called up by England

Manchester City midfielder Jack Rodwell has been called into the England squad for the friendlies against Republic of Ireland and Brazil.

Jose Mourinho to leave Real Madrid at end of the season

Sky Sports sources understand Jose Mourinho is set to leave Real Madrid at the end of the season.

Mail Box

What Would United Be Like In The Pub?

The Premier League season has only been over for about 20 hours and already we're well into the summer-type Mailbox. Plus, a shout for the 2014 player of the year...

Arsenal Should Be Praised For Finishing Fourth

Arsenal fans are largely positive after their top four finish, whilst one wag suggest buying Bale from their rivals. We also have an interesting final mail. Enjoy...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved