Roberto Martínez realised his ambition of becoming manager of Wigan Athletic in June 2009.

Born in Balaguer, Catalonia, Martínez began his playing career at his home-town club CF Balaguer in the Spanish Third Division before moving to Real Zaragoza in La Liga where he made his senior debut.

He was offered the chance to move to England by Chairman, Dave Whelan and he signed on a free transfer on 25 July 1995, joining fellow Spaniards Jesús Seba and Isidro Díaz. Martínez spent six seasons at Wigan, making 180 appearances for the club scoring 23 goals.

Released on a free transfer by Steve Bruce, Martínez signed for Scottish club Motherwell in July 2001 but made only eight appearances, plus eight more as substitute, before moving back to England to join Walsall on a free transfer in August 2002. Roberto had spells with Swansea City and Chester City before becoming Swansea Manager in February 2007.

Martinez could have taken an opportunity to leave Wigan in the summer of 2011 but instead elected to stay and continue the work he has started at Wigan.