Mixed feelings for Zaki

23 May 2009 13:27
Amr Zaki has insisted he enjoyed his Premier League experience but regrets returning late from international duty. The Egyptian striker joined Wigan on loan from Zamalek last summer and made a stunning start to his Latics career, netting ten goals before Christmas. However, he has not found the target since the turn of the year and has also angered manager Steve Bruce with his 'unprofessional' behaviour'. Wigan have decided not to take up their option to sign Zaki on a permanent basis but the 26-year-old still appreciates what the club has done for him." "It goes without saying that I have enjoyed every second of my time in the Premier League," Zaki said in a statement on his official website designed to 'make a few things clear'. "I would like to thank Steve Bruce and Wigan FC for giving me the stage to show the world what I can do at the highest level of professional football." Great experienceZaki admits he was wrong to repeatedly come back late from his trips away with Egypt, but he has explained his actions by saying that he was not accustomed to the Premier League. "A huge thing was made of my late return from international duty," he said. "I can understand the club fining me for the times I was late back, something I regret, but the culture and professionalism of football in England is something I had never experienced before but I will know next time and have learnt a great lesson. "For this reason I am sorry. The players here in my home country don't realise how relaxed it is here in Egypt. "Wigan was a great experience for me but now I must take the next step up to the next level and look forward and decide what my next move will be." Not badZaki has also defended his performances for Wigan by comparing his goalscoring record with other strikers. He said: "The press and the media can manipulate stories and quotes to make it sound however they want but Amr Zaki went to the Premiership and scored 10 goals for Wigan in 22 starts. Almost a 1 in 2 ratio. "Defoe for Spurs 11 goals, Adebayor for Arsenal 10 goals, Drogba at Chelsea 5 goals. 10 for Wigan - not bad." According to reports in the Spanish press, Valencia have entered the race to sign Zaki for next season. He has also been linked with Wigan's Premier League rivals Aston Villa and Manchester City.

Source: SKY_Sports