Camara leaves Latics for Potters
Stoke boss Tony Pulis has completed his first deadline-day deal with the loan signing of Wigan hitman Henri Camara until the end of the season.
The Senegal striker has fallen down the pecking order at the JJB Stadium and even the departure of Emile Heskey to Aston Villa in the transfer window did not improve his chances as manager Steve Bruce immediately brought in Colombian Hugo Rodallega.
Camara, 31 and out of contract at the end of the season, scored 20 goals in 46 league starts for the Latics.
Camara said his desire to play regular football prompted him to seek a move elsewhere.
"I hope they [the fans] understand I need to play. I had a wasted year at West Ham - and I have spent most of this season on the bench," he said.
"I understand and respect Steve Bruce totally. 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."
Stoke boss Tony Pulis has completed his first deadline-day deal with the loan signing of Wigan hitman Henri Camara until the end of the season.
The Senegal striker has fallen down the pecking order at the JJB Stadium and even the departure of Emile Heskey to Aston Villa in the transfer window did not improve his chances as manager Steve Bruce immediately brought in Colombian Hugo Rodallega.
Camara, 31 and out of contract at the end of the season, scored 20 goals in 46 league starts for the Latics.
Camara said his desire to play regular football prompted him to seek a move elsewhere.
"I hope they [the fans] understand I need to play. I had a wasted year at West Ham - and I have spent most of this season on the bench," he said.
"I understand and respect Steve Bruce totally. 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."
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