Daniel De Ridder says life is sweet at Wigan!

Latics' new Dutch Under 21 midfielder Daniel de Ridder says he has been made so welcome at the club and he is convinced he has made the right decision coming to Wigan.

He describes the pre-season schedule over the past few days as 'really tough' and says the professionalism and dedication of the players has been 'really impressive.'

But, he adds, "I thought it was meant to be summertime!"

"We have had double sessions every day, with ice baths to aid recovery and it has been tough," he says, 'really physical work outs.

"But the lads are generally very fit and speaking personally, I would say it has been OK. Fitness is such a massive part of the sport at this level and the shape of the squad is excellent."

However, he did add: "I'm looking forward to doing some more ball work!"

De Ridder has signed a long-term contract at Latics and he says it was the influence of Steve Bruce that was the deciding factor in choosing Wigan.

"I said when I signed that when someone of Steve Bruce's reputation and stature comes knocking at your door and asks you to join his team, you just say, 'where do I sign?'

"He is a fantastic leader, a real players' manager, if you know what I mean. He commands respect from the players because you know that in his career he has captained one of the biggest clubs in the world and won every domestic trophy there is."

De Ridder says that he just can't wait for the season now.

"I want to be competing for a place in the team. I know it's going to be so tough because when you look at the midfielders we have in the squad it has top quality written all over it.

"But that's the Premier League. You are going to get the best, and you need to have at least two players competing for every position.!

About the Wigan public he says: "I have spoken a lot with the lads since I came and I spoke to Mario (Melchiot) also about the club and the fans.

"He says they made him feel so welcome last season and they will respect the players who give everything for the cause. That suits me perfectly!"