Henri Camara moves to Stoke City on loan

The club have confirmed that Senegal striker Henri Camara has joined Stoke City on loan until the end of the season.

Steve Bruce explained his decision to sanction the move.

"I like Henri as a player," he said, "he's looked great whenever he has played this season, getting a couple of really crucial goals for us.

"However, I can understand that he wants to put himself in the shop window and play and I could not give him that promise here. Out of respect to him and to what he has done for the club in the past, I have not stood in his way now."


Earning His Spurs: Camara netted 20 Premier League Goals for Wigan Athletic.

Camara has scored a record 20 Premier League goals for Latics, but has not been a regular in the team since 2006-07. His current contract ends this Summer.

He said: "I love it here and the fans have always been behind me, which is something I have always really appreciated.

"I hope they understand I need to play. I had a wasted year at west Ham, and I have spent most of this season on the bench. I understand and respect Steve Bruce totally. He is the manager and he has done brilliantly with the team, which is his team now.

"But when I was given this chance I felt I had to take it for the sake of my career.

"I want to say a really big thank you to the Wigan fans, who have been magnificent to me. I will never forget that and the club will always stay in my heart. What we achieved in that first season was special and I am so happy that the club has continued to progress."

Camara will not be eligible to play against Latics when the clubs meet at the Britannia Stadium on May 16.

Camara has scored 20 goals in 46 league starts for Latics, having appeared in 69 matches in all. In all competitions he has scored 24 in 77 appearances, 56 of which he started.