Source: Daily_Mail
I'd hug Steve Bruce if we met again, insists lover-boy Wigan reject Amr Zaki
Amr Zaki has targeted a return to the Barclays Premier League after accepting the blame for his Wigan demise.
The Egypt striker stormed out of the blocks during his loan spell with the Latics last season.
Zaki, 26, scored 10 goals in the first half of the season but wrecked his chance of a permanent move after a series of run-ins with Bruce, who has since moved to Sunderland.
The Zamalek star was late back from international duty on four occasions during his spell at Wigan and Bruce labelled him the worst professional footballer he had ever worked with.
'If I met Bruce now, I would hug him, I love him so much,' admitted Zaki. 'Steve Bruce is a very good coach. Despite what he said, I am proud to have worked under such a good coach.
'The first time I had delayed my return to Wigan, the second time I missed the plane. I did not think this would not be a problem, but I was wrong and I have to admit that. No one learns without making mistakes.'
Portsmouth were interested in signing Zaki this summer but the deal fell through during Sulaiman Al-Fahim's brief takeover.
'He assured me that he would submit an offer to Zamalek in January,' added Zaki.
