Wigan boss Steve Bruce launched a vicious attack on Amr Zaki, describing him as the most unprofessional person he's ever worked with, after the Egyptian has once again failed to return from international duty on time. Zaki played full 90 minutes for Egypt against Zambia on Sunday and got injured in the process, but he then failed to show up for his club on Tuesday, more than 36 hours later. With the incident occurring for a fourth time this season, Bruce seems to have lost his patience with the 26-year-old, whose compatriot Mido managed to make it on time. "I really am at the end of my tether with him," the Wigan manager said in an official statement on the club's website. "Before this latest incident, Zaki had already been fined considerably more than the average person in Britain earns in a year and he will now face another heavy fine. "I just feel it's time that we went public on just what a nightmare he has been to deal with because I can honestly say that in all my time in football I have never worked with someone as unprofessional. "This is the fourth time he has not reported back on time from international training. " Maximum Bruce indicated that since previous fines have come to no avail for Zaki, he might this time be forced to impose a more severe sanction for the sake of the team. The ex-Manchester United captain also hinted that the on-loan Zamalek striker is risking his long-term future at JJB with his acts. "I have already fined him the maximum allowed but this just seems to have no effect. I am now fearful that if I don't take firm action, it will disrupt the rest of my squad, who - to a man - behave totally professionally," Bruce added.
Bruce fed up with Zaki "I am right behind my players representing their countries, it is a tremendous honor for the club. This is not the issue here. "But my South American players, for instance, have to go much longer distances but I have never had a problem with any of them. "In Zaki's case, it really defies belief from a player who is on loan and trying to earn himself a long-term contract." Disrespect Bruce concluded his statement by saying the Zaki has let him down, in return to his efforts to help the ex-ENPPI man settle in England. "When his daughter was ill before Christmas, I gave him extra time off, while I know my staff have worked very hard to help him settle in England," he said. "I'm sick of answering questions about Zaki's whereabouts and I don't want anything to distract the players from preparing for another massive game for us on Sunday against Everton. "Zaki's behavior has shown total disrespect to the club who pays him a very good wage and equally as importantly, to the fans who sing his name from the stands. I think it's time for them to know the truth about the man. "This situation needs to be resolved as soon as possible and I don't feel it's appropriate to say anything more at this stage, apart from how let down I feel, personally and professionally." Despite a staggering start with Wigan, Zaki's past few months with the club have been largely disappointing as he has yet to score this year for the Latics. The robust forward is already under fire as he has been recently involved in an infamous row with club and country mate Mido.
