The Wigan athletic manager Roberto Martinez has said that he is extremely happy for the Argentine striker Franco di Santo, who has been called up for the Argentine international team for the first time ever.
The 23-year-old striker first made his entrance into English football through Chelsea, but had found first-team opportunities limited at Stamford Bridge. Since then, he has played for Blackburn Rovers, but his most productive spell has come at Wigan Athletic. Under the guidance of the manager Roberto Martinez, he has been able to establish himself as the first choice regular at the DW stadium.
He was made 10 appearances in the Premier league this season and has managed three goals. Even though his goal to game ratio may not be the best around, Martinez has said that it is extremely important to appreciate the overall contribution he does to the team. He has also said that playing alongside the likes of Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero will help him even better. Roberto Martinez also praised the way the Argentina national team manager Alejandro Sabella has looked at a player playing for a relatively lesser known club like Wigan and picking him for the national team.
"Franco di Santo is developing into a top footballer. 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 but we still know that he needs to carry on enjoying his football. I could see it coming because I work with him every day. You get a bit biased because you know the player," said Roberto Martinez. Argentina will be playing against Saudi Arabia in a friendly match during the midweek international fixtures, while Wigan will face Liverpool during the weekend.