Source: SKY_Sports
Bruce - No deal for Zaki
Steve Bruce has confirmed Wigan Athletic will not be taking up their option to sign on-loan striker Amr Zaki.
Wigan brought in the Egyptian from Zamalek last summer and Zaki enjoyed a stunning first half to the season, scoring 10 Premier League goals in 16 appearances.
However, he has failed to find the net in 2009 and has angered Bruce with his persistent failure to return on time from international duty.
Bruce has now decided against a permanent deal for Zaki and believes the powerful forward has been badly advised.
"I've made my decision already, a letter has gone to his club, we will not be taking up the option to sign him when his loan ends," said Bruce.
"The writing has been on the wall for a while now, but it's a shame, it really is.
"There was no doubt Zaki had the world at his feet last October when he scored those two goals against Liverpool at Anfield.
"He had a wonderful chance over here, but he was badly advised I think, he listened to the wrong people.
"If he had listened to the people he should have done - his adviser is a decent fella - he would have been okay.
"It's a shame it's worked out this way, he set us on fire with those goals earlier in the season.
"But Zaki hasn't scored from open play since Liverpool. We've missed him in that respect, but there you go."
The Wigan boss also reiterated his belief that Antonio Valencia will be leaving the JJB Stadium in the summer, with the likes of Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Real Madrid all linked with the winger.
He added: "It's inevitable that Valencia will go. That's the real difficult one.
"I've said to my chief executive that before Christmas was the best team Wigan will ever have. That's a shame."
