Chimbonda's dream has come true with WC call-up

PARIS, May 14: Wigan Athletic's Pascal Chimbonda, a surprise inclusion in France's 23-man squad for the World Cup finals, says his dream has come true.

''I was looking forward to the squad announcement,'' the 27-year-old Chimbonda told the French federation's website today.

''The coach has always said the door was open. It's a dream coming true, I'm very happy,'' he added.

Chimbonda, who joined Wigan Athletic last summer from Bastiafor a 500,000 pounds (3,000) transfer fee, has been voted this season Premier League's best right fullback by the Professional Footballers' Association.

He stunned Wigan though by handing a transfer request moments after his side's final game of the season and they have subsequently turned down offers from Tottenham Hotspur.

Reuters