Wigan Athletic striker Mido excused teammate Amr Zaki, who incurred the wrath of coach Steve Bruce after returning late from international duty. Egypt striker Zaki had a week to forget earlier this month after being involved in two disputes with Bruce and compatriot Mido. Mido accused Zaki of spreading 'false rumors' about him while Bruce was infuriated by the combative frontman's failure to return to Wigan right after Egypt's World Cup qualifier against Zambia. The 26-year-old settled his differences with Mido before apologizing to Bruce and Wigan fans. Mido, who is on loan from Middlesbrough, said the Latics players welcomed Zaki with open arms. "I spoke to the lads about it, and Zaki came and apologized to the team, and the lads absolutely forgive him," the towering striker, who has scored two goals for Wigan since his January arrival, was quoted as saying by Manchester Evening News. "What people don't know is that he is a great lad and a very good man - he just doesn't know how the system here works. "I have known him for years and he has a big heart and is professional. The thing about not coming back on time is something he needs to adapt to.
I have known Zaki for years and he has a big heart and is professional - Mido "It's his job now to show he wants to do better for us. We really need him to finish the season well. "I understand why the gaffer went to the media about it, as it was the fourth time, but I hope he stays at the club and that people don't `kill' him," Mido, who scored Wigan's sole goal in Saturday's 4-1 defeat to Arsenal, added. Help Mido, who has plenty of experience playing in the Premier League, vowed to help Zaki settle in. "He is a good friend of mine, and I really want to help him here. I hope he understands that, as I have more experience with the Premier League and English people, and better understand the mentality here," he said. "He texted me after the Arsenal match to say I played brilliantly and that he hoped I was OK." Mido played for Tottenham Hotspur, Middlesbrough and Wigan in the elite competition.
