Former Levante striker Arouna Kone is delighted to be joining Roberto Martinez's Wigan Athletic.

Kone has revealed Latics boss Martinez's devotion to stylish football helped make up his mind to move.

Kone told wiganlatics.co.uk: "I'm very happy to be here and I'm doubly happy because I know how hard the manager has had to fight to get me here.

"I'm impatient to get started with my new club. It's a great challenge for me. Roberto has told me about the philosophy of the club, how it's a family club.

"He is a young manager who is trying to build something special here.

"He told me how he likes his teams to play on the floor, which is a style that I'm used to in Spain, and these were words which really persuaded me to join."

Wigan begin their Barclays Premier League campaign on Sunday with a home game against Chelsea, and Kone is hoping to be involved.

He said: "It's up to the manager of course but I'm ready having done all of my pre-season with Levante.

"I feel great and I would love to be able to take part in such a big game.

"I'm going to give my all every time I put the shirt on this season and I'm sure we can make progress in the league.

"I really hope that the fans will be satisfied that I'm a player who gives everything."