Attacking midfield player delighted to sign first professional contract with Wigan Athletic.

Thelo Aasgaard | “A great achievement after pushing through hard times”
Norway youth international signs first professional contract until the summer of 2023
Aasgaard: “I can’t wait to keep this going and show the fans and people at the club what more I have to offer so for me it’s exciting times.”

Wigan Athletic’s Thelo Aasgaard says signing his first professional contract was an incredibly proud moment for both himself and his family.

The 18-year-old who has starred for Latics so far this season with his quick feet and trickery says he can’t wait to show what more he has to offer after signing a deal until the summer of 2023.

“It’s a great achievement for me and my family,” Thelo said. “Hopefully we can push on now and see it out for the rest of the season and stay in the division.

“I’ve had to push through some hard times with injuries through my scholarship but I am delighted to take this next step.

“I can’t wait to keep this going and show the fans and people at the club what more I have to offer so for me it’s exciting times.”

Head of Academy Gregor Rioch spoke of his delight after Aasgaard committed his future to Latics and the youngster said he is thankful for the patience shown by Gregor and staff at the academy, given he was a ‘late developer’.

“I want to thank Gregor [Rioch], it could have been easy to let me go after my scholarship with all my injuries but he’s trusted my ability,” he explained. “The U18s coaches too, Peter Murphy and everyone else who has trusted in my ability.

“I’ve definitely developed physically; I’ve grown a lot. Mentally as well, I was in a tough place with my injuries. It was hard coming in and get motivated when I was just sat in the gym. But stepping into first team football has really got me going and got my motivation back.

“As I have had a lot of time in the gym it’s given me the opportunity to work on my physique and work on my legs and core.”

Aasgaard is one of a number of academy graduates who have been handed opportunities this season and he says he feels more confident in the environment following the experience he gained in 2020.

“It’s been a great step up for all of us,” he continued. “We’ve all loved the transition and found it hard at times but have also enjoyed it so much stepping onto the field with fans watching us. It would be much better of course if they could watch it live in the stadium but I think we have really embraced the opportunity and look forward to what’s to come.

“I was delighted for Kyle [Joseph] at Burton and for me it was nice to get another start and to get three points on the board was the main thing.

“I think what is massive is your confidence when stepping onto the pitch when you’re playing. I’m naturally a confident player and do what feels natural to me. As you do grow up and play more and more games you feel much more at ease.”

Thelo Aasgaard | “A great achievement after pushing through hard times”