Wigan manager Roberto Martinez’s devotion to stylish football helped sell the Latics to new signing Arouna Kone.

The Ivory Coast international striker completed his move from Spanish side Levante yesterday for an undisclosed fee, signing a three-year deal.

Kone, 28, scored 15 goals last season as Levante surprisingly finished sixth in the Primera Division, and he joins Ryo Miyaichi, Ivan Ramis and Fraser Fyvie as new arrivals at the DW Stadium.

Kone told www.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.”