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THE THURSDAY INTERVIEW: NICOLAS ANELKA
Posted on: Thu 31 Mar 2011
Nicolas Anelka's career has been anything but ordinary.
From his explosive burst onto the scene with Arsenal through his turbulent times with Real Madrid and Paris St-Germain to the consistency of life with Manchester City, Fenerbahçe and Bolton, ending up with one last big move to the Bridge, it has been a rollercoaster ride across Europe's footballing landscape.
Anelka's withdrawal from the international scene following France's World Cup nightmare in South Africa has allowed some contemplation over the last fortnight, as he gears up for another tilt at success both here and in continental competition.
'I don't miss it, I am glad to be out of it,' he says as he ponders the international question. 'Of course it can help to not play, you play less games so it is perfect to be off and to think about something else for one or two weeks then come back fresh to the club.
'You get some family life, go to Paris, wherever you want with your family, it is perfect, but I used to be like this when I played for City and in the beginning at Bolton, so I know this situation and I like it. I really don't think about the national team or playing games.'
At 32, the forward knows he is in the later stages of his footballing life, admitting he has little interest in staying in the game when he eventually chooses to retire, but not yet planning his next move too seriously. Time is running out to add to his already impressive medal collection.
Since winning the league and FA Cup as a 19-year-old, Anelka has won domestic honours in Turkey with Fenerbahçe and here at Chelsea, when he and Ashley Cole became the first players to win a Double with two sides. He also lifted the European Cup with Real Madrid in 2000 and was a part of the France squad that won the European Championship a month later.
Anelka wins the Champions League in 2000
Having started in the Final, and scored twice in the semi, it would be understandable to assume that Champions League success stands out as the highlight of his career, but Anelka dismisses the suggestion.
'It was good to win, but my best achievement in football? I don't think so, because it means I didn't do anything after it,' he argues. 'I don't think like, this was the best, or that was the best. I enjoy everything, you have to enjoy your life, it is not always nice, so why pick one moment?'
A wider examination of Anelka's time in Spain may explain his outlook. A then club record transfer to Real soon went sour as he struggled to fit in with the culture of the club and country. He played just 19 league games, scoring only twice. Might it have been different had the player felt more comfortable?
'When you come from England, the way you approach the game and where you are in your life is the total opposite to in Spain,' he explains. 'I didn't know that, of course it was difficult for me because I wanted to have a simple life and be able to walk on the street like everybody else, but I couldn't do it in Madrid like I can in London.
'This was the most difficult part for me, I didn't want to go there like a big star, of course on the pitch, but outside I wanted to be normal like everybody else. My target was not to be in the paper everyday like a Galactico, and they wanted me to be like this, so it was a problem.
'In the newspaper it said where I was going, going out, shopping, someone following you saying what you are buying. It was strange for me and I didn't want to lead this kind of life.
'It was a difficult year on the pitch because it was difficult outside, I couldn't be how I wanted, so when I am not well outside I am not well on the pitch.
'Also, it was difficult to feel a part of the squad. First of all I couldn't speak Spanish, this is not an excuse, but the mentality was so alien to England, that's why I only stayed one year because I knew it was not for me, but even though it was difficult, the end was a good moment because we won the Champions League and I scored in the semi-finals, but it was a difficult year.'
Thankfully, London life suits Anelka, and in his three years at Chelsea he has gradually become a part of the furniture, last summer signing a contract extension to keep him here until the end of next season at least.
Anelka after missing against United
That gives at least two more opportunities to win the Champions League in sweeter circumstances. Of course Anelka almost lifted the trophy again in 2008, but Edwin van der Sar crucially saved his spot kick in Moscow, awarding victory to Manchester United. Now he has the opportunity to get his own back when we meet in the quarter-finals next week.
Footballers rarely speak of revenge, and Anelka is no different, but having overcome United at the beginning of the month, surely we can be confident of success over two legs, at which point Inter or Schalke would be between us and a Wembley final.
'We know them but I don't think it's a good draw because they are a good team and difficult to beat with a lot of quality players,' he pointed out. 'But, if you want to win the Champions League you have to beat good teams.
'These two games with Manchester United will feel like Premier League games, we have already played them in so many games so these will be the same, and we will just have to see what happens.'
With Anelka, it is often best to expect the unexpected, but if he can help us navigate our way into the last four, there is no reason why he should not dream of a more fulfilling Champions League Final.
http://www.chelseafc.com/page/LatestNews/0,,10268~2327353,00.html
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