Hibs midfielder Zemmama thanks club for allowing loan deal

Last updated : 04 September 2008 By Steve Forbes

zemmamainteractive.jpg picture by 1875steve

Hibs midfielder Merouane Zemmama has thanked the club for allowing him to leave on a loan deal for compassionate reasons.

The Moroccan magician, 24, got married in the summer to his 17-year-old sweetheart Zineb, but she was refused entry to the
UK as she is not 18 years-old or over.

The Hibees star was gutted, but after discussions with manager Mixu Paatelainen and chairman Rod Petrie, the club has allowed Zemmama to join Al Sha'ab in the
United Arab Emirates, to be with his pregnant wife.

Zemmama joins Al Sha'ab on a one-year loan deal, meaning that, when the loan finishes his wife should find it easier to enter the
UK.

"Zoomer" was absolutely delighted with the steps Hibs have taken to help him out, and has vowed to come back flying in 12 months time, he said:

"I am grateful to the manager and the board for what they are doing,"
Zemmama told the Hibs' official website, www.hibernianfc.co.uk.

"I will give everyone my personal thanks on Monday. I know as well the support that is there for me from the Hibs fans.

"They have always been very good to me since I first came to Hibernian, and now they are being very understanding of my situation and we are both very grateful for the best wishes they are sending.

"I am well again after my injury and looking forward to playing, getting better over the next year and returning to Hibernian."

An excellent gesture by Hibs, let's hope everything works out for him, Zoomer is one of the best midfielder's in Scotland and will be missed. Hopefully new signing Fabian Yantorno can fill the massive hole left by Zoomer's departure.

Thanks once again to Alan Rennie and the Hibernian Interactive team for the use of the photo.

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