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Page last updated at 11:08 GMT, Tuesday, 22 July 2008 12:08 UK

Wigan complete Zaki loan switch

Amr Zaki
Zaki has an excellent record at international level

Wigan Athletic have completed the signing of Egypt international Amr Zaki on a one-year loan deal from Zamalek.

The 25-year-old, who has scored 27 goals in 48 games for his country, clinched the move after a Wigan delegation flew to Egypt on Monday.

Zaki said: "I've come to England to score goals. That's what I do.

"I want to show the manager and the fans that they have made a good choice and now I am totally focused on trying to get in the squad and prove myself."

Wigan manager Steve Bruce said: "It has been a real tough deal to push through, that's for sure, but I'm delighted that Amr's finally a Wigan Athletic player. Everything has been sorted and now he can just get on with the job in hand."

606: DEBATE
Zaki - dubbed the Egyptian Gladiator - has won the African Cup of Nations twice and was recently named as his country's player of the year.

Bruce added: "Anyone with a one-in-two strike rate or better over 50-odd international games knows where the back of the net is.

"Although he hasn't played in the Premier League, I am convinced, having seen him personally on several occasions, that this boy can do the business.

"I think our supporters will love him because he's a passionate boy who plays with his heart on his sleeve. He is all-action, physically powerful, great in the air, with two great feet and a good turn of pace."




see also
Wigan & Sunderland chase Johnson
08 Jul 08 |  Everton
Final and third place
10 Feb 08 |  African
Ivory Coast 1-4 Egypt
07 Feb 08 |  African
Zamalek edge past Africa Sports
07 Apr 08 |  African
Zamalek re-appoint Krol as coach
13 Aug 07 |  African
Egypt's Zaki moves to Russia
28 Feb 06 |  African


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