Camara joins Stoke on loan

Last updated : 02 February 2009 By Paul Farrington

The deal sees Camara, 31, move to the Britannia Stadium on loan until the end of the season with a view to a permenant move when his contract runs out.

Steve Bruce said: "I like Henri as a player, 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."

Whilst Camara himself had a special message of thanks for the Wigan fans, he added: "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."

CLICK HERE FOR THE MESSAGEBOARD