Zamalek to block Zaki exit

Wigan target experiences disagreement with club president

Last updated: 2nd July 2008

Amr Zaki Egypt

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Wigan target Amr Zaki claims Egyptian side El Zamalek are set to block any potential transfer to another club.

Zaki is reported to have caught the eye of Latics boss Steve Bruce following his impressive form at club and international level.

The striker has hit 27 goals in 48 appearances for Egypt and sparkled at the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations.

It was understood that Wigan were close to agreeing a loan deal for the 25-year-old, but Zaki claims Zamalek president Mamdouh Abbas has told him he will not be allowed to leave the club and that he was threatened with violence at recent discussions.

Surprise

"I was surprised when he (Abbas) told me that the club will not allow me to leave under any circumstances," Zaki told FilGoal.com.

"He then got angry and swore at me. Things got worse when his bodyguards were about to beat me up."

And Zaki's agent Nader Shawki admits he was also shocked by Abbas' actions.

"I have never witnessed something like that in football, it's a shame to see such acts coming from the president of a big club like Zamalek," added Shawki.