Roberto Martinez turns down Aston Villa

Last updated : 10 June 2011 By Daily Mail

The Spainard had emerged as the leading contender to take over from Gerard Houllier and had been expected to meet with Villa Park officials.

But in a dramatic show of loyalty, Martinez has chosen to stay at the Latics despite only keeping them in the Premier League on the final day of last season.

Staying put: Roberto Martinez could not be lured away from Wigan by Aston Villa

A statement from Aston Villa confirmed the news.

'The club would like to thank Wigan Athletic Football Club and its chairman, Dave Whelan, for their professionalism in dealing with our request to speak to Roberto Martinez.

'Roberto's qualities as a young and aspirational manager ensured him of a position high on our short list of potential new managers.

'Given that he had one year remaining on his contract at Wigan, we made an official approach through the proper channels, though we were aware of a commitment he had made to his club to agree and sign a new contract following the final game of last season.

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'Roberto met with his chairman earlier this week and he has made the decision to honour his commitment to Wigan.

'Therefore, we have not met Roberto and we have not had the opportunity to discuss the vacant managerial role with him.

'We remain focused and are working hard to secure the best candidate for Aston Villa who will complement the club's commitment to be true to our heritage, competitiveness and passionate fan base, and will have thenew manager in place to prepare the players for the pre-season programme and next season's campaign.'

Close relationship: Whelan congratulates Martinez following Wigan's scrape with relegation

Villa have been linked with several managers since Houllier left the club but reportedly reneged on an agreement to meet Steve McLaren after supporters voiced their concerns.

Carlo Ancelotti ruled himself out of the job after leaving Chelsea while Villa also cooled their interest in former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez.

Mark Hughes, who left Fulham earlier this month, is once again favourite for the job with Everton boss David Moyes and Bolton manager Owen Coyle also in the frame.

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan earlier told Sky Sports News: 'This is not all about money because Roberto is not a greedy man.

'Managers and footballers have a reputation of greed and it is assumed they are all like that. He has sentiment and feelings and has a great respect for the operation at Wigan Athletic.'

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Source: Daily Mail

Source: Daily Mail