New Everton boss Roberto Martinez insists Wigan Athletic still have a great future without him as he was officially unveiled at Goodison Park.
The 39-year-old, who joined the Latics in 2009, has signed a four-year contract to replace David Moyes after the Scot ended his 11-year reign to manage Manchester United.
Despite winning an historic FA Cup, Martinez felt it was the right time to move on, but is excited to begin a new challenge on Merseyside.
“I believe that Wigan have a great future,” he told Sky Sports. “It was the right time to have a fresh energy around the place.
“I’m excited, and I’m looking forward to how quickly we can become a strong and winning unit on the football pitch at Everton.”
The Spaniard is looking to build a strong unit at his new club and to that end he will be taking some of his backroom staff from the DW Stadium with him.
“I hope we can be a really strong unit, from the fans to the board, the chairman, the football staff and the players,” he said.
“We need to become that unit, it’s difficult when you break that but it’s the right time.
“I want to meet everyone at Everton, and make sure we get a really strong team. There’s going to be a large amount of my back-room staff who are going to come with me.”
Martinez’s love for his former club has been well-publicised, but the popular manager was delighted to join the Toffees and build on Moyes’ good foundation.
“This is a really special day to come to Everton Football Club. The feeling already is one of excitement and honour,” he explained.
“I want to thank the chairman and the board for giving me this opportunity. This is a phenomenal and passionate football club, and I can’t wait to start.
“It’s a huge pressure, but I’m extremely proud of that pressure.
“David Moyes has set real standards over 11 years, and what he has produced is a platform for the next man to continue.”
Image courtesy of Sky Sports, via YouTube, with thanks
For more on this story and many others, follow Mancunian Matters on Twitter and Facebook.
