Liverpool end Anelka interest

Liverpool FC have decided not to sign on-loan striker Nicolas Anelka from Paris Saint-Germain FC.

Left out of squad
The Frenchman - who was left out of Roger Lemerre's FIFA World Cup squad in favour of AJ Auxerre's Djibril Cissé, who has been linked with a move to Liverpool - joined the Anfield club in December following Robbie Fowler's departure to Leeds United AFC. "After a lot of thought we've decided not to make Nicolas Anelka's move from Paris St Germain a permanent one," said a Liverpool statement posted on the club's official website.

Official statement
"This was a difficult decision and we know that Nicolas will be very disappointed, but the manager [Gerard Houllier] has always had to do what he thinks is best for the club and the development of the team," the statement continued. "We finished the season as runners-up and want to pay tribute to the part Nicolas played in that achievement during his loan spell at Anfield. Everyone at the club now wishes him well for the future."

Former clubs
In all Anelka played 22 times for the Anfield side in league and cup competitions, scoring five goals. He has previously also played for Arsenal FC and Real Madrid CF.