Arouna Koné’s move to Wigan is significant, marking his entry into the English Premier League. The Ivorian striker has had a diverse career, playing in various leagues across Europe, including the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, and Spain. His impressive goal tally of 17 in the previous season caught the attention of Wigan, a team looking to strengthen its attack.
The reported transfer amount of 5 million euros or around 3 billion 250 million CFA francs underscores the club’s commitment to bringing him on board for a three-year contract. Wigan, having finished 15th in the 2011-2012 season, aims to improve its performance, especially in terms of goal-scoring.
Arouna Koné faces tough competition in the national team, the Ivory Coast, given the presence of notable players like Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou, Gervinho, and Seydou Doumbia. Despite this, he expresses his desire to represent his country, hoping for a call-up from the French coach Sabri Lamouchi. Koné emphasizes his connection to Ivory Coast, referring to it as his country and the Elephants as his selection.
He acknowledges the competition within the national team but remains confident in his abilities, stating that he is a hard worker and believes in his talent. Arouna Koné, with 35 caps and 9 goals for the Elephants, is determined to secure his place in the squad and contribute to the team’s success.