Former Liverpool striker Nicolas Anelka left Chelsea for Chinese Super League club Shanghai Shenhua in January, and for a brief period prior to signing, the Frenchman was dubiously linked with an improbable return to Anfield. Anelka could've also joined Carlo Ancelotti at Paris St Germain, but as he now reveals, the move held no interest for him.
Speaking to French TV Channel Canal +, Anelka revealed:
"I was contacted by an intermediary of Qatar Investment Authority.
"I did not want to go to PSG because I had already played there. I know the French mentality. The people there would have worn me out. It did not interest me.
"Shanghai is Asia's New York. I love the way they live. I often come here on vacation. This is my last contract."
Prior to his move to China, Anelka had scored only one goal in 27 appearances for Chelsea (!), which obviously explains why the Blues were happy to let him go. His goal drought also explains why the Liverpool speculation at the time was such nonsense; why would the club buy a player with such a poor goalscoring record?
Many Liverpool fans - myself included - were mystified when Gerard Houllier let Anelka leave after his 6 month loan spell in 2002. At that time, Anelka was in the prime of his career, and if he'd stayed, perhaps the 2002-3 season may not have been so atrocious...?
Jaimie Kanwar
Speaking to French TV Channel Canal +, Anelka revealed:
"I was contacted by an intermediary of Qatar Investment Authority.
"I did not want to go to PSG because I had already played there. I know the French mentality. The people there would have worn me out. It did not interest me.
"Shanghai is Asia's New York. I love the way they live. I often come here on vacation. This is my last contract."
Prior to his move to China, Anelka had scored only one goal in 27 appearances for Chelsea (!), which obviously explains why the Blues were happy to let him go. His goal drought also explains why the Liverpool speculation at the time was such nonsense; why would the club buy a player with such a poor goalscoring record?
Many Liverpool fans - myself included - were mystified when Gerard Houllier let Anelka leave after his 6 month loan spell in 2002. At that time, Anelka was in the prime of his career, and if he'd stayed, perhaps the 2002-3 season may not have been so atrocious...?
Jaimie Kanwar
houllier took us a step forward and then 2 steps back. big mistake back then when we did not take anelka on
ReplyDeleteJk your comment regarding Anelkas goal scoring record is bizarre the man has scored prolifically wherever he has played he is admittedly at the end of his career but classis permanent form temporary. If Anelka had signed until the summer who would have scored more? him or Carroll
ReplyDeleteThink that he was not really playing as an out and out striker for Chelsea anymore. They seem to focus on creating chances for Drogba and Lampard. Maybe that is what needs to change there. No way that Anelka would play in France after the world cup last year, he would get booed every week wherever he played! It would make what Suarez has coming look like friendly banter!
ReplyDeleteI really need to know what 'Liverpool legend' Steve Nicol thinks about this! Can anyone find out if he has an opinion?
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