Ivory Coast defender Steve Gohouri is desperate to sign a new deal with Wigan Athletic. The centre-half joined Wigan in January from Borussia Monchengladbach on a deal until the end of the season.

"No matter what happens regarding the World Cup, what Roberto Martinez and the chairman did for me, giving me this chance is immeasurable," he told skysports.com.

"Last June, coming back from a stage with the national team, I got malaria and I was almost dead to the game.

"Almost no one knows it, because my agent was there for me every second and protected me, if Wigan really want me I will sign for them because I owe a lot to them.

"Today I just want to go out and give back to Wigan and those who have always believed in me, a little of what they gave me."

Gohouri, who has been watched by Ivorian boss Sven Goran Eriksson in recent weeks, admits he is desperate to play in South Africa.

"I'll do everything to stay in the Premier League, and the World Cup is a dream of any top footballer," he said.

"I want to realise this dream, Mr Eriksson will choose his players and I want to be part of that."