Henri Camara

Henri Camara (born May 10, 1977 in Dakar, Senegal) is a Senegalese football (soccer) who is on loan at West Ham United F.C., from Wigan Athletic F.C. of the English FA Premier League.

Club career

Early career

Camara began his career in France with RC Strasbourg (1998-1999), before playing for Swiss clubs Neuchâtel Xamax (1999-2000), and Grasshopper-Club Zürich (2001). He has since played for CS Sedan Ardennes (2001-03), Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C] (2003-04), Celtic F.C] (2004-05) and Southampton F.C. (2005) with the last two being on loan spells from Wolves.

Celtic

Camara's time at Celtic F.C. was disappointing for the Celtic fans and management, after costing one million pounds ($2m) for a loan deal at the start of the 2004-2005 season. He failed to impress, despite tremendous pace, managing just six goals from twelve starts and six substitute appearances. Camara claims in the press that he would replace Henrik Larsson, who had just left the club. He also requested for Larsson's squad number, 7, which he had had at a previous club as well, but was instead given no. 27. The loan deal was terminated during the January 2005 transfer window despite being contracted for longer.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

While at Wolverhampton Wanderers, Camara was a fans' favourite, despite a poor start with Wolves. He eventually found the back of the net with some consistency and was named the fans' Player of the Year. Camara did not turn up for pre-season training after interest from Phil Gartside, Bolton Wanderers F.C.'s chairman, which Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey rejected..

Wigan

On August 6 2005, Camara was signed by Premiership newcomers Wigan Athletic F.C. in a deal worth £3m, contract until 2008. In 2006 he extended his contract to 2009.

On August 31 2007, it was confirmed that Camara would be making a season-long loan move to West Ham United F.C., and was being joined by former Newcastle player Nolberto Solano. Camara has apparently said he does not want to go back to Wigan because he was injured and went to Paris and Wigan didnt want him to. He has reportedly said he could sign a deal with West Ham within the next transfer window.

International career

Camara played for Senegal national football team at their surprising run at the Football World Cup 2002, scoring two goals, one a golden goal, in the Round of 16 against Sweden national football team. He was part of the 2004 African Nations Cup and 2006 African Nations Cup squads as well.

Personal Life

On 11 November 2006 in Paris, Henri and his girlfriend welcomed a baby son into the world also named Henri. Camara wasn't there for the birth of his son as he was playing for Wigan against Charlton on that day but flew out straight after the game to Paris to see his baby son, Henri Jr., for the first time.