London  - Stoke City signed Senegal striker Henri Camara on loan from Wigan Athletic on Monday.

The 31-year-old said his move was prompted by a desire for first-team action before his contract expires in the summer.

"I need to play," Camara said. "I had a wasted year at West Ham - and I have spent most of this season on the bench.

"I understand and respect (manager) Steve Bruce totally. 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.

Bruce said he had allowed Camara to leave out of respect for his contribution to the club.

"I like Henri as a player," he said. "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." (dpa)