Egypt striker Zaki signs for Wigan Athletic

Egypt striker Amr Zaki has joined Wigan on a one-year loan deal from Cairo's Zamalek, the English Premier League club announced on Tuesday.

“I've come to England to score goals,” Zaki said. “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.”

Latics boss Steve Bruce was relieved to have finally got his man after spending 10 weeks wrapping up the terms of the arrangement.

“It has been a tough deal to push through but I am delighted that Amr's finally a Wigan player and he can just get on with the job.

With 27 goals in 48 appearances for his country, the 25-year-old Zaki caught Bruce's eye with his performances on the international stage.

“Anyone with that kind of strike rate in international football knows where the back of the net is,” said Bruce.

“The supporters will love him because he is a passionate boy who plays with his heart on his sleeve. He is all-action, physically powerful, great in the air with two good feet and a good turn of pace.”

Zaki joins international team-mate Mido in the Premier League. Mido, who missed much of last season through injury, is currently at Middlesbrough following a spell at Tottenham.

Bruce, who rescued Wigan from relegation last season following a mid-campaign move from Birmingham, has already raided his former club to sign French winger Olivier Kapo and Dutch midfielder Daniel de Ridder and is looking to further strengthen his squad before the 2008-09 season kicks off next month.