Few players in the current squad divide opinion as does Argentine striker Mauro Boselli, who returns for a fresh crack at the Premier League following a season and a half on loan in Italy and Argentina. A lot has changed since his troubled first half-season — particularly in the way the team attacks. While many have long written him off, there are plenty — Roberto Martinez and the writers of this blog included — that believe the best of Boselli is soon to come.

Signed for six million pounds from Estudiantes de la Plata of Argentina after top-scoring in South America’s equivalent of the Champions’ League — la Copa Libertadores — the Argentine struggled to make an impact in his half-season stint at Latics. Operating as the lone centre-forward between Hugo Rodallega and Charles N’Zogbia, he found chances to be at a minimum and pressure at a maximum.

With money comes expectation. The transfer fee heaped undue pressure on the striker, known for his clinical finishing but not necessarily pace or his ability to hold up play as a lone target. Unlike many Roberto Martinez signings, Mauro did not enjoy the luxury of an adaptation period, despite arriving in Lancashire after a career spent in Argentina.

All this said, Mauro’s first pre-season with the club was hugely promising, bagging several goals as he has two years later in the current version. In the league, he never looked far away from a goal but was largely starved of service. But for a narrow headed miss and a penalty miss against West Ham  moments after being substituted on, which ultimately proved the last straw (more on that penalty in the interview below)… his first season may well have turned around.

But much has changed at Wigan Athletic since then, and Mauro is delighted to be back. He scored a well-taken header in Tuesday’s cup match against Nottingham Forest, and was unlucky not to have been awarded two penalties. He describes the squad as having a real sense of togetherness — one of fewer individuals and a real team ethic. What follows is his exclusive interview to the Three Amigos of Wigan — given before the beginning of the season. iMuchas gracias Mauro, y mucha suerte!

* note: this interview was translated from Spanish, by the author.

Q: How does it feel to be back in Wigan?

A: I feel more mature in this new chapter with Wigan, with a lot of experience that I didn’t have when I first arrived here. I’m back with motivation to succeed in English football.

Q: How is the club different from your first season, two years ago?

A: I found a very different group now to when I first arrived. The group is more together and the focus is on the team, rather than the individuals.

Q: What are your personal goals for the season?

A: My personal goal is to win my place in the starting lineup and regain the confidence the club put in me with goals and good performances.

Q: Have you tasted the famous Wigan pies? What is your favourite filling?

A: I’ve unfortunately not yet been able to taste the traditional food of Wigan, so I can’t comment on this one.

Q: Many of us think you were a bit unlucky in your first season at the club because the midfielders were not providing much service for you. How you do see that season?

A: Contrary to the first season I was at the club, there are many players that have the ability to assist me and give me the chance to take advantage of my strengths as a footballer. I am a centre-forward that needs my team to score goals.

Q: Why did you take that penalty against West Ham — you’d just come off the substitutes’ bench?

A: I’ve taken penalties all my life and will continue to do so. That day, I’d just come onto the pitch and couldn’t feel my feet it was so cold — and no one was stepping up to take the kick. If there is a penalty and I am on the pitch, I will take it because I am confident I’ll score it.

Q: Roberto’s new tactical system uses wingbacks such as Jean Beausejour, Ronnie Stam, and Emmerson Boyce, who love to get forward and put crosses in the box. Do you think this system suits you?

A: In my first season at Wigan I played with Rodallega and N’Zogbia on the wings. They are players who like to finish the attacking move themselves rather than assist. Now, there are players like Maloney, Crusat, Jean (Beausejour), Di Santo — players who could favour my game. This tactical system that encourages more crosses into the box is the one I like the most. I hope I am allowed opportunities and a run in the team to show what I can do.

Q: What can Latics supporters do to help you on the pitch?