Zaki takes Thirteen and immediately vows: I want to score goals in the Premier League

Latics' new Egyptian hotshot AMR ZAKI has chosen to wear the Number 13 shirt and says: "For me it has always been a lucky number!!"

Zaki says he can't wait to get started in the Barclays Premier League.

"It is the best league in the world, we watch it every week in Egypt and it is massive at home, we know all the players and all the team.

"Many players in the Egyptian league dream that maybe they can make it in Europe and test themselves against the best players every week.

"So for me to get my chance really is a big dream come true. But I know it is only just beginning, the hard work starts here.

"Now everyone in Egypt will be a Wigan Athletic fan. They want me to do well, and I am totally determined to repay all the faith and patience that Steve Bruce and the club have shown in me to bring me here.

"Many other clubs might have given up, because Zamalek did not want to let me go at first.

"But first I want to thank all the Zamalek supporters for helping me all these years and everyone in Egypt who has wished me well for the future.

"But Wigan is the team I play for now. When I score my first goal, I will dedicate it to the supporters of this club because they deserve it the most.

"I have been learning about the club and the town, the people at the club have been telling me all about their team, and I like what I hear.

"The people of Wigan believe in hard work, they care deeply for their club and expect all the players to feel the same way. That is good, very good.

"I also heard that we are a big family who fight for each other. Family means everything in Egypt and I'll make a promise to all the fans that every time I put on a Wigan Athletic shirt I will do everything in my power to do well, try my best and make my new family proud."

"But I also know it is not just about me.

"I see the names in the team and I know I am going to have to fight for my place, like everyone else at the club.

"But for now the talking is over and the work begins. I need to get fit and be ready to compete for my place for the game against West Ham. Nothing else matters to me right now."