Scharner signs new Latics deal
Thursday, 31 Jul 2008 15:33
Paul Scharner signs new two-year contract at Wigan Athletic
Defender Paul Scharner has ended speculation over his future by signing a new two-year contract with
Wigan Athletic.
The Austrian had been linked with a move away from the club this summer after comments to the media that he has ambitions to play at a higher level.
But he has put pen to paper to secure his future at the JJB Stadium, citing the influence of new Latics manager Steve Bruce as a key aspect of his decision to stay.
He said: "I am really happy at Wigan, and I think the team is moving forwards.
"I have never hidden my ambition as a player. That is what has been driving me forwards all my career. I believe that in order to progress you have to be totally dedicated to what you do.
"I feel that the club has really progressed over the last few months. They got the opportunity to appoint a really top coach and that is what happened when Steve arrived.
"Now I feel the club has another opportunity to really progress this season and I want to be a part of that."
Scharner also said he had been impressed at the level of commitment shown by some of the top players in the Wigan squad to continue the job to maintain the club's Premier League status.
"It is fantastic that we have managed to keep hold of the best performers in the team this summer and to bring in some real quality acquisitions," he added.
"Now we all need to move forward together in the future and I am very happy to say I will be here to enjoy the ride."