Wigan Athletic: Roger Espinoza to leave club in transfer window

Malky MacKay and Roger Espinoza
Roger Espinoza has played in five of the six Wigan games since Malky Mackay took over

Wigan Athletic and Honduras midfielder Roger Espinoza is to leave the Championship club in January.

The 28-year-old was a member of the team that won the 2013 FA Cup, beating Manchester City 1-0 at Wembley.

Espinoza, who was brought up in the USA, denied reports in October that he wanted to return home.

"There is an agreement that the club have shaken hands with Roger on to allow him to go back to America," Wigan manager Malky Mackay said. external-link

"It's one of these things I have to take because he's a terrific kid and a real good boy.

"I've got an awful lot of time for him and as you have seen he has been involved heavily in my squad so far, but it's more of a life change and I thoroughly respect that.

"He's done really well at this football club over a period of time and worked hard for the club and he will be going back to America I think."

Espinoza has made 57 appearances for Wigan since arriving from Major League Soccer side Sporting Kansas City in January 2013, scoring three goals.

He played in all three of Honduras' matches in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, and against England in their final warm-up game in Miami.