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Daniel de Ridder to join Wigan United
Tony Dewhurst
Wigan
Today
Thursday 3 July 2008
Former Ajax winger and last season
Birmingham-player Daniel de Ridder, yesterday signed
a three-year-contract with Wigan United.
In an interview with Wigan
Today he admits the opportunity to team up with
Steve Bruce again was the key to his decision.
The 24-year-old, who put pen to
paper on a three-year deal from Birmingham City earlier
this week, can operate either in midfield or up front.
He said: "As soon as Steve Bruce got in touch
and said he wanted to sign me at Wigan, my mind was
made up.
"He signed me at Birmingham and he is one of the
best
coaches I've worked with.
"He is a great manager, so when I got up to Wigan,
I thought, 'Where's the contract? I want to get it done'.
"Having worked with him at Birmingham last year,
I know he knows how to get the best out of players.
"When you look at what he has achieved and his
track record in management, it is very clear to me he
has a deep understanding of the game."
De Ridder admits another factor in his switch was the
influence of Latics captain and fellow countryman Mario
Melchiot, who like De Ridder, is a product of Ajax's
youth academy.
De Ridder added: "I had a long chat with Mario
and he told me nothing but good things about Wigan.
"Mario says it is a great club with supporters
who care deeply and who have made him really welcome.
"I got a taste of the Premier League last year,
but because of a couple of injuries I never felt I got
the chance to prove what I can do at this level.
"That was frustrating but now I've got a great
chance to prove myself.
"My focus is do well for them and the people of
Wigan."
De Ridder made 15 appearances in his first season with
Ajax, and also featured in the Champions League, before
linking up with Spanish La Liga outfit Celta Vigo.
He said: "There are some fantastic players at
Wigan and I know it is going to be really tough to get
in the side.
"The manager looks likely to make a few more signings,
so that competition is going to get tougher and tougher.
"But the Premier League is the best in the world
and you have to fight hard for what you achieve when
you get to this level.
"I can't wait to get started and I'm looking forward
to
getting down to work with my new team-mates next week."
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