Latics land 'World's Number One' sriker Amr Zaki, the 'Egyptian Gladiator'!

Wigan Athletic are delighted to confirm that one of the longest running transfer sags in the club's history has at last been concluded and that in-demand Egypt international striker AMR ZAKI - currently FIFA's highest ranking attacker! - has arrived from Zamalek of Cairo.

The 25 year-old was in Wigan last week to pass a medical and put pen to paper on a one year loan deal, but due to the complicated nature of the transfer, which has taken over ten weeks to finalise, the announcement has had to be delayed until this morning.

Only after a delegation flew to Egypt yesterday to finalise all the contract details has the club been free to unveil the player.

Latics manager Steve Bruce said he was relieved to finally get his man.

"It's been a real tough deal to push through, that's for sure, "he said, "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 at hand."

According to FIFA's current rankings, the 27 goals he has scored in the 48 appearances for his country put Zaki in the number one position in the World and Steve Bruce is thrilled to have netted the twice winner African Cup of Nations winner.

ZAK'S THE WAY....Amr gets used to the JJB last week

The Latics boss revealed the loan deal could lead to something more permanent if things go well, adding: "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."

Bruce added: "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."

Zaky's 22 goals in 54 appearances for Egyptian giants Al Zamalek as well as his goal-scoring feats for the national side, have earned him the title of 'the Egyptian Gladiator!'

He was also just named Egyptian Player of The Year.

Zaky says: "I've come to England to score goals. That's what I do. I want to show the manager and the fans of Wigan that they have made a good choice and now I am totally focused on trying to get in the squad and prove myself here."