Anelka hopes for happy return
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
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As he returns to a club he remembers fondly, Nicolas Anelka "will be very happy" to find the Fenerbahçe SK net provided it helps Chelsea FC reach the semi-finals.
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Fenerbahçe SK coach Zico has admitted he did everything possible to keep Nicolas Anelka when he was appointed in summer 2006. However, the France forward decided to return to England and on Wednesday he will line up against the Turkish club for Chelsea FC in their UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg.
Happy return
"Anelka is a wonderful player," said the Brazilian. "I wanted him to stay but he wanted to go." The striker, who arrived at Stamford Bridge in January via Bolton Wanderers FC, is glad to be back in Istanbul despite the challenge awaiting his team. "I was happy with the draw as I knew I was coming back to a stadium I like and to see some friends I like," he said. "Fenerbahçe are a good team and it will be tough on the pitch because they play good football. Off the pitch it is a good atmosphere, they are great fans."
Focus on Chelsea
Despite his affection for the Sükrü Saraçoglu Stadium, the 29-year-old's focus is on Chelsea's bid for a first UEFA Champions League title – and he knows that a side with a perfect home record in this season's competition will be a tough proposition. "I play for Chelsea now and if I have a chance to score, I will do it and will be happy. I did not work with Zico for long but I think he is a great coach. I was with him for a couple of months and he is very good. I am not surprised Fenerbahçe are successful because they have very good players and can now compete with the big clubs in Europe."
Opportunities
Chelsea paid Bolton €20m for a player who had scored ten goals in 18 Premier League outings, yet Anelka has since added just one to that tally in nine top-flight appearances, often finding himself behind the likes of Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou in Avram Grant's lineup. "I need to get used to my new club, my new team-mates and learn the way they play," said the former Arsenal FC attacker.
Second success
However, one thing Anelka has over most of his colleagues is a UEFA Champions League winner's medal, having triumphed with Real Madrid CF in 2000, and he remains hopeful of joining an élite group of players to have lifted the trophy with two clubs. "I have already won the UEFA Champions League," he said. "It is difficult enough to win one and I have done that. I am glad to be at Chelsea as I know we can win lots of trophies. We will try to do our best and if we manage to win the competition, it will be good for me."