Gohouri has signed a deal with the Latics until the end of the season after impressing manager Roberto Martinez during a trial. The 28-year-old, who had been a free agent since leaving German side Borussia Monchengladbach in December, becomes Martinez's second capture of the January transfer window after the arrival of Serbian goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic at the DW Stadium last week. Despite boasting a record of three goals in two international matches Gohouri was not selected for Ivory Coast's African Nations Cup squad, but the defender is aiming to win back his place in time for the World Cup by proving his worth with Wigan. "It's a big challenge for me overall coming to the Premier League, but as a footballer I've always wanted to play in this country," Gohouri told Wigan's official website. "All the strikers in the league are big players and every week will be a new test and I'm looking forward to that. "There are big differences between the Premier League and the Bundesliga, notably the intensity. "In England that level is much higher and there are many more one-on-one incidents during the game, so I know it will be very hard but I'm here now and I'll have to work hard and challenge for a place in the team." Gohouri, who started his career in France with Paris St Germain and has also had a spell in Switzerland, admitted he would be happy to play wherever along Wigan's backline he is needed. "I can play anywhere across the defence but I'm most comfortable playing at centre-half, that's my preferred position," he said. "I wouldn't want to say what type of defender I am but I'm sure people will get to see what my qualities are on the pitch. "My new team-mates have been very welcoming and I'm looking forward to training and playing alongside them. "The manager has told me to simply enjoy my football, work hard and concentrate on the tasks ahead. I'm sure there will be plenty of challenges ahead but I'm ready to take them on."
