Henri Camara
Encyclopedia
Henri Camara is a Senegal
ese footballer who plays as a striker for Greek Superleague side Panetolikos
.
to a Guinean
father and a Senegalese mother. He began his career in France with RC Strasbourg
(1998–1999), before playing for Swiss clubs Neuchâtel Xamax
(1999–2000), and Grasshopper-Club Zürich
, where he won the Swiss Championship in 2001. He then returned to France with Sedan
but sought a new move when they were relegated in 2003.
in August 2003 in a four year deal for £1.5million. He was a regular first-choice player, capable of creating goalscoring opportunities, but often guilty of erratic finishing that left him with just one goal from 23 games, this goal being the crucial winner as Wolves came back from 3 down at half time to beat relegation rivals 4–3. Towards the end of the season, he found his scoring touch and struck 6 times in the final 9 games. While this could not prevent relegation, he was named the fans' Player of the Year.
However, Camara was unwilling to play at a lower level and did not turn up for pre-season training. His future was further unsettled by a bid from Phil Gartside
, Bolton Wanderers
' chairman, which Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey
rejected. He eventually returned to the club but only to negotiate a loan move away.
, who paid £1.5million to take him on loan for the 2004–05 season. His time in Scotland was disappointing, though, as he scored eight goals from twelve starts and six substitute appearances. Camara claimed in the press that he would replace Henrik Larsson
, who had just left the club. He also requested Larsson's squad number (7) which he had had at a previous club as well, but was instead given number 27.
The loan deal was terminated during the January 2005 transfer window despite being contracted for longer, as he moved back to England with Southampton
. Here, he suffered relegation again as the Saints made the drop on the final day of the season.
in August 2005 in a three year deal for £3million. In 2006, his contract was extended to 2009. He again found himself in a Premier League relegation battle, but it ended third time lucky for him as Wigan made a last day escape at the expense of Sheffield United
.
After Wigan manager Paul Jewell
's resignation, Camara found himself out of favour at Wigan and he was loaned out to West Ham United
, for the duration of the 2007–08 season, at the end of the Summer transfer window. By his own admission, he has had a torrid time at West Ham and wants to preferably find another club in England. Despite allowing him to leave on loan Steve Bruce
suggested that if Camara wanted to stay at Wigan he was more than welcome to.
Camara scored a brace in his first game back for Wigan under Bruce in the 4–0 win in the Carling Cup over Notts County
. He then scored the match winner against Everton in a 1–0 victory for Wigan at the JJB Stadium on 24 November 2008, their first win against Everton on home soil. He scored again against West Bromwich Albion the following match. Whilst at Wigan he started in the 2006 Football League Cup Final.
On 2 February 2009, Camara joined Stoke City on loan until the end of the season in search of regular first-team football. He missed a glaring opportunity straight after coming off the bench for his debut at Sunderland, smashing a volley from 6 yards against the bar with the entire goal to aim for. He was released by Wigan at the end of the 2008–09
season, after not being offered a new contract.
Camara spent much of the 2009 close-season on trial at Premier League club Hull City
but was not offered a contract,.
at the end of October and scored his first goal for the club in a 1–0 win over Peterborough United
a month later. He made 23 appearances that season, often from the bench, and scored four goals but was released when his contract expired as the club sought to cut the wage bill.
.
in a 1–1 African Cup of Nations qualifier against Nigeria
on 28 February 1999. He went on to play in their surprising run at the 2002 World Cup
, scoring two goals – one a golden goal
– in the Round of 16 against Sweden
, which took them to the quarter-finals for the only time in their history. He was also part of the 2004, 2006 and 2008 Africa Cup of Nations squads.
Camara also featured in Ronaldinho
's squad for a charity football match. The match was between Europe and the rest of the world. Camara came on as a substitute and scored 2 goals in the second half of the game to help his team take the victory.
Internationally, Camara could have played for Guinea
as his father was born in Guinea. On choosing Senegal, he explained, "I was born in Senegal but my father is from Guinea, so, yes, I could have played with Momo Sylla in the Guinea national team. When I was young, I received an invitation from the Senegal youth team and my dad didn't want me to play. His dream was for me to play for Guinea. But I didn't know Guinea very well. Senegal was my country, so it was an easy decision for me to make."
Senegal
Senegal , officially the Republic of Senegal , is a country in western Africa. It owes its name to the Sénégal River that borders it to the east and north...
ese footballer who plays as a striker for Greek Superleague side Panetolikos
Panetolikos F.C.
Panetolikos is a football club based in Agrinio, Greece. It was founded in 1926 and is considered one of the historic clubs in Greece, having participated so far in the Greek First Division in the seasons 1975-1976,1976-1977 and 2011-2012 . Panetolikos is the reigning Football League Champion...
.
Early career
Camara was born in DakarDakar
Dakar is the capital city and largest city of Senegal. It is located on the Cap-Vert Peninsula on the Atlantic coast and is the westernmost city on the African mainland...
to a Guinean
Guinea
Guinea , officially the Republic of Guinea , is a country in West Africa. Formerly known as French Guinea , it is today sometimes called Guinea-Conakry to distinguish it from its neighbour Guinea-Bissau. Guinea is divided into eight administrative regions and subdivided into thirty-three prefectures...
father and a Senegalese mother. He began his career in France with RC Strasbourg
RC Strasbourg
Racing Club de Strasbourg is a French association football club founded in 1906 and professional since 1933, based in the city of Strasbourg, in Alsace...
(1998–1999), before playing for Swiss clubs Neuchâtel Xamax
Neuchâtel Xamax
Neuchâtel Xamax Football Club is a Swiss football club, based in Neuchâtel. It was created in 1970 through a merger between FC Cantonal and FC Xamax . The club plays in red shirts, black shorts and red socks and are currently in the Axpo Super League, the highest Swiss football league. They play...
(1999–2000), and Grasshopper-Club Zürich
Grasshopper-Club Zürich
Grasshopper Club Zürich commonly referred to as simply GC, GCZ, or Grasshopper is a Swiss multisports club based in Zürich. The oldest and best known section of Grasshopper Club Zürich is its football team...
, where he won the Swiss Championship in 2001. He then returned to France with Sedan
CS Sedan Ardennes
Club Sportif Sedan Ardennes, commonly referred to as CS Sedan or simply Sedan , is a French association football club based in Sedan. The club was formed in 1919 and currently play in Ligue 2, the second level of French football. Sedan plays its home matches at the Stade Louis Dugauguez located...
but sought a new move when they were relegated in 2003.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Camara joined newly promoted English Premier League club Wolverhampton WanderersWolverhampton Wanderers F.C.
Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club that represents the city of Wolverhampton in the West Midlands region. They are members of the Premier League, the highest level of English football. The club was founded in 1877 and since 1889 has played at...
in August 2003 in a four year deal for £1.5million. He was a regular first-choice player, capable of creating goalscoring opportunities, but often guilty of erratic finishing that left him with just one goal from 23 games, this goal being the crucial winner as Wolves came back from 3 down at half time to beat relegation rivals 4–3. Towards the end of the season, he found his scoring touch and struck 6 times in the final 9 games. While this could not prevent relegation, he was named the fans' Player of the Year.
However, Camara was unwilling to play at a lower level and did not turn up for pre-season training. His future was further unsettled by a bid from Phil Gartside
Phil Gartside
Philip 'Phil' Gartside is a businessman and the current chairman of Bolton Wanderers Football Club.He joined the board of Bolton Wanderers Football Club in April 1989, having been a fan of the club since his days as a pupil at Leigh Grammar School.He became chairman of Bolton Wanderers in October...
, Bolton Wanderers
Bolton Wanderers F.C.
Bolton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the area of Horwich in the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, Greater Manchester. They began their current spell in the Premier League in 2001....
' chairman, which Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey
Jez Moxey
Jeremy Derek "Jez" Moxey is the Chief executive officer of Premier League football club Wolverhampton Wanderers.-Career:Moxey, a basketball player in his youth, ran a sports marketing business, a basketball franchise, spent five years as general manager of Partick Thistle F.C., and worked with...
rejected. He eventually returned to the club but only to negotiate a loan move away.
Celtic
Camara's route out of Wolves came in the form of CelticCeltic F.C.
Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in the Parkhead area of Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. The club was established in 1887, and played its first game in 1888. Celtic have won the Scottish League Championship on 42 occasions, most recently in the...
, who paid £1.5million to take him on loan for the 2004–05 season. His time in Scotland was disappointing, though, as he scored eight goals from twelve starts and six substitute appearances. Camara claimed in the press that he would replace Henrik Larsson
Henrik Larsson
Henrik Edward Larsson MBE is a retired Swedish footballer and current manager of Landskrona BoIS.Larsson began his career with Högaborgs BK. He moved to Helsingborg, where he was one of the key players when they qualified to Allsvenskan 1993. Larsson then moved to Feyenoord for four years before...
, who had just left the club. He also requested Larsson's squad number (7) which he had had at a previous club as well, but was instead given number 27.
The loan deal was terminated during the January 2005 transfer window despite being contracted for longer, as he moved back to England with Southampton
Southampton F.C.
Southampton Football Club is an English football team, nicknamed The Saints, based in the city of Southampton, Hampshire. The club gained promotion to the Championship from League One in the 2010–2011 season after being relegated in 2009. Their home ground is the St Mary's Stadium, where the club...
. Here, he suffered relegation again as the Saints made the drop on the final day of the season.
Wigan Athletic
Camara finally found a new permanent club when he was signed by Premiership newcomers Wigan AthleticWigan Athletic F.C.
Wigan Athletic Football Club is an English Premier League Association football club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester, having been promoted from the Championship in 2005. Wigan's current spell in the Premier League is the only top flight run in the club's history.They have played at the DW...
in August 2005 in a three year deal for £3million. In 2006, his contract was extended to 2009. He again found himself in a Premier League relegation battle, but it ended third time lucky for him as Wigan made a last day escape at the expense of Sheffield United
Sheffield United F.C.
Sheffield United Football Club is a professional English football club based in the city of Sheffield, South Yorkshire.They were the first sporting team to use the name 'United' and are nicknamed 'The Blades', thanks to Sheffield's worldwide reputation for steel production...
.
After Wigan manager Paul Jewell
Paul Jewell
Paul Steven Jewell is a former English footballer who is currently the manager of Ipswich Town.His playing career started with Liverpool before moving to Wigan Athletic and then a ten-year spell with Bradford City...
's resignation, Camara found himself out of favour at Wigan and he was loaned out to West Ham United
West Ham United F.C.
West Ham United Football Club is an English professional football club based in Upton Park, Newham, East London. They play in The Football League Championship. The club was founded in 1895 as Thames Ironworks FC and reformed in 1900 as West Ham United. In 1904 the club relocated to their current...
, for the duration of the 2007–08 season, at the end of the Summer transfer window. By his own admission, he has had a torrid time at West Ham and wants to preferably find another club in England. Despite allowing him to leave on loan Steve Bruce
Steve Bruce
Stephen Roger "Steve" Bruce is an English football manager and former player. Born in Corbridge, Northumberland, he was a promising schoolboy footballer but was rejected by a number of professional clubs. He was on the verge of quitting the game altogether when he was offered a trial with Gillingham...
suggested that if Camara wanted to stay at Wigan he was more than welcome to.
Camara scored a brace in his first game back for Wigan under Bruce in the 4–0 win in the Carling Cup over Notts County
Notts County F.C.
Notts County Football Club are an English professional football club based in Nottingham. They are the oldest of all the clubs in the world that are now professional, having been formed in 1862. They currently play in League One of The Football League, the third tier of the English football system...
. He then scored the match winner against Everton in a 1–0 victory for Wigan at the JJB Stadium on 24 November 2008, their first win against Everton on home soil. He scored again against West Bromwich Albion the following match. Whilst at Wigan he started in the 2006 Football League Cup Final.
On 2 February 2009, Camara joined Stoke City on loan until the end of the season in search of regular first-team football. He missed a glaring opportunity straight after coming off the bench for his debut at Sunderland, smashing a volley from 6 yards against the bar with the entire goal to aim for. He was released by Wigan at the end of the 2008–09
2008–09 in English football
The 2008–09 season was the 129th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:* West Bromwich Albion, Stoke City and Hull City were all playing in the Premier League after winning promotion from the Championship last season. Stoke returned to the top flight after a 23-year absence, while...
season, after not being offered a new contract.
Camara spent much of the 2009 close-season on trial at Premier League club Hull City
Hull City A.F.C.
Hull City Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, founded in 1904. The club participates in the Football League Championship, the second tier of English football...
but was not offered a contract,.
Sheffield United
After initially rejecting a deal with the Blades, Camara signed a short term agreement with the Sheffield club until the end of the season. Camara made his début in a 4–3 loss to Cardiff CityCardiff City F.C.
Cardiff City Football Club are a Welsh professional football club based in Cardiff, Wales. The club competes in the English football pyramid and is currently playing in the Football League Championship. Cardiff City is the best supported football club in Wales, averaging approximately 22,500 for...
at the end of October and scored his first goal for the club in a 1–0 win over Peterborough United
Peterborough United F.C.
Peterborough United Football Club are a professional English football club based in Peterborough. Peterborough United formed in 1934 and played in the old Midland League, which they won six times; eventually being admitted to the Football League in 1960, replacing Gateshead. Their home ground is...
a month later. He made 23 appearances that season, often from the bench, and scored four goals but was released when his contract expired as the club sought to cut the wage bill.
Atromitos
On 11 May 2010, Camara signed a one year deal with Greek Superleague side Atromitos.Panetolikos
On 19 June 2011, Camara signed a one year deal with Greek Superleague side PanetolikosPanetolikos F.C.
Panetolikos is a football club based in Agrinio, Greece. It was founded in 1926 and is considered one of the historic clubs in Greece, having participated so far in the Greek First Division in the seasons 1975-1976,1976-1977 and 2011-2012 . Panetolikos is the reigning Football League Champion...
.
International career
Camara made his international debut for SenegalSenegal national football team
The Senegal national football team, nicknamed the Lions of Teranga, is the national team of Senegal and is controlled by the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football...
in a 1–1 African Cup of Nations qualifier against Nigeria
Nigeria national football team
The Nigeria national football team, nicknamed the Super Eagles or Green Eagles, is the national team of Nigeria and is controlled by the Nigeria Football Federation . The team has ranked as high as 5th in the FIFA World Rankings, in April 1994...
on 28 February 1999. He went on to play in their surprising run at the 2002 World Cup
2002 FIFA World Cup
The 2002 FIFA World Cup was the 17th staging of the FIFA World Cup, held in South Korea and Japan from 31 May to 30 June. It was also the first World Cup held in Asia, and the last in which the golden goal rule was implemented. Brazil won the tournament for a record fifth time, beating Germany 2–0...
, scoring two goals – one a golden goal
Golden goal
The golden goal is a method used in association football, field hockey, ice hockey and korfball to decide the winner of games in elimination matches which end in a draw after the end of regulation time. It is a type of sudden death. Golden goal rules allow the team that scores the first goal during...
– in the Round of 16 against Sweden
Sweden national football team
The Swedish national football team represents Sweden in association football and is controlled by the Swedish Football Association, the governing body for Football in Sweden. Sweden's home ground is Råsunda Stadium in Stockholms län and their head coach is Erik Hamrén. Sweden made their first...
, which took them to the quarter-finals for the only time in their history. He was also part of the 2004, 2006 and 2008 Africa Cup of Nations squads.
Camara also featured in Ronaldinho
Ronaldinho
Ronaldo de Assis Moreira , commonly known as Ronaldinho or Ronaldinho Gaúcho, is a Brazilian footballer who plays for Flamengo and the Brazilian national team as an attacking midfielder or forward. He is a two-time winner of the FIFA World Player of the Year, awarded to the best player over the year...
's squad for a charity football match. The match was between Europe and the rest of the world. Camara came on as a substitute and scored 2 goals in the second half of the game to help his team take the victory.
Internationally, Camara could have played for Guinea
Guinea national football team
The Guinea national football team, nicknamed Syli national , is the national team of Guinea and is controlled by the Fédération Guinéenne de Football. They have never qualified for the World Cup finals, and their best finish in the African Nations Cup was second in the 1976...
as his father was born in Guinea. On choosing Senegal, he explained, "I was born in Senegal but my father is from Guinea, so, yes, I could have played with Momo Sylla in the Guinea national team. When I was young, I received an invitation from the Senegal youth team and my dad didn't want me to play. His dream was for me to play for Guinea. But I didn't know Guinea very well. Senegal was my country, so it was an easy decision for me to make."