Why ex-Portsmouth loanee snubbed promotion rivals Charlton to stay at Wigan

Former Pompey winger Viv Solomon-Otabor. Picture: Joe Peppler

The winger penned a short-term deal at the DW Stadium in the summer after spending last campaign at Bulgarian outfit CSKA Sofia.

Solomon-Otabor, who scored once in 10 games during a spell at Fratton Park in the 2018-19 season, was reportedly wanted by Charlton on January transfer deadline day after his Latics contract had expired.

However, the ex-Birmingham man snubbed the promotion-chasing Addicks to rejoin Wigan, who are battling for survival at the foot of the table.

Solomon-Otabor, who has recently recovered from an ankle injury, revealed he was barraged by messages from Latics fans asking him to sign again.

And having made a favourable impression, he is delighted to be back at the Latics.

Solomon-Otabor told the Wigan Post: ‘I’m pleased but also happy to be back fit.

‘I’m working again and training with the team, and being able to get back to myself again like I was before I was injured.

‘So it’s good to be back and pleased to sign until the end of the season.

‘I’ve been getting 20 messages a day, asking what I’m doing or what’s happening, but it’s refreshing and nice the fans have taken to me since I’ve been here and want them to play for my club, which I really appreciate. So thank you!”

't’s been tough. I’ve never had a long-term injury where I’ve had an operation before, so it was mentally challenging for me, my family and my close friends.

‘It was a process and I needed to get over it and get back to myself again and get as fit as possible.

‘It’s a blessing to be back and be able to compete with the boys and play. I can’t thank the club enough, all the staff and everyone for the support for their help.

‘Now I’m back, everyone can be happy and proud when I step out on the pitch and show the work that has been done together.

'I really appreciate what the club have done for me in the last three to four months.

'Now I’m able to be in contention and days away from playing a match, I can’t wait to get back out there and start from where I left off and get cracking again, start scoring more goals, getting assists for the team and be in a decent place in the league.'