|
|
Shanghai Shenhua's Nicolas Anelka releases statement thanking Chelsea fans for 'four wonderful years'
Ahead of his move to China with Shanghai Shenhua, the much-travelled French forward expressed his gratitude to the Blues' followers for their support for him down the years
15 Jan 2012 08:16:00
By Zac Lee Rigg
Getty
With a move to China already agreed, Nicolas Anelka has issued a statement thanking Chelsea fans for supporting him throughout his four-year tenure at the London club.
The 32-year-old will join Shanghai Shenhua, bringing to a close a lengthy career in Europe which started at Paris Saint-Germain in his teenage years and saw the striker play for Arsenal, Real Madrid, Liverpool and Fenerbahce, among other teams.
Along the way, Anelka won the Premier League with Arsenal and Chelsea, the Champions League with Real Madrid and Euro 2000 with France. In 2008-09 he finished top scorer of the Premier League.
But a regime change at Chelsea after the appointment of coach Andre Villas-Boas edged Anelka out of the team. Despite a brief flirtation with Major League Soccer, the Frenchman opted to continue his career in China.
Still, the four years spent with Chelsea represent the longest continuous stretch Anelka has spent at one club, and his time there won't be quickly forgotten, as he confirmed in a statement to Chelsea fans:
"I want to thank you all for the support you have always provided. I spent four wonderful years at this great club, where I worked alongside great players that have now become dear friends. But like everything else, this adventure ends...
"On the eve of my 33rd year, I am headed to a new adventure, a new life, a different pace and a different world.
"I want to acknowledge and send a big thank you to the Chelsea fans, players and all those working in the shadow of the club and especially a warm 'thank you, England.'
"See you very soon,
Nicolas Anelka"
The 32-year-old will join Shanghai Shenhua, bringing to a close a lengthy career in Europe which started at Paris Saint-Germain in his teenage years and saw the striker play for Arsenal, Real Madrid, Liverpool and Fenerbahce, among other teams.
|
Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
Along the way, Anelka won the Premier League with Arsenal and Chelsea, the Champions League with Real Madrid and Euro 2000 with France. In 2008-09 he finished top scorer of the Premier League.
But a regime change at Chelsea after the appointment of coach Andre Villas-Boas edged Anelka out of the team. Despite a brief flirtation with Major League Soccer, the Frenchman opted to continue his career in China.
Still, the four years spent with Chelsea represent the longest continuous stretch Anelka has spent at one club, and his time there won't be quickly forgotten, as he confirmed in a statement to Chelsea fans:
"I want to thank you all for the support you have always provided. I spent four wonderful years at this great club, where I worked alongside great players that have now become dear friends. But like everything else, this adventure ends...
"On the eve of my 33rd year, I am headed to a new adventure, a new life, a different pace and a different world.
"I want to acknowledge and send a big thank you to the Chelsea fans, players and all those working in the shadow of the club and especially a warm 'thank you, England.'
"See you very soon,
Nicolas Anelka"
How do you stay up to date with football when on the move? With http://m.goal.com – your best source for mobile coverage of the beautiful game.
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
Inside Goal.Com
-
Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line
England beat Norway 1-0 at Wembley, with the Manchester United man hitting an impressive winner to stake his claim for a starting spot at Euro 2012
-
How England player's chances were affected by Belgium victory
Ashley Young all but secured his place in the starting line-up against France while captain Steven Gerrard put a good shift in. Joe Hart, however, needs to remain focused
-
In Pictures: The best and worst kits at Euro 2012
The European Championship is just around the corner and Goal.com distinguishes between the trendy and the passe at the prestigious tournament
-
Managerial merry-go-round keeps spinning as Lambert takes Villa job
The Scot officially left Norwich City on Saturday to become the second new boss in June, following the appointment of Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool on Friday
-
Hungary - Republic of Ireland Preview
Veteran Italian coach takes his Irish side to Újpest in Hungary for their last warm-up match before their highly-anticipated Euro 2012 opener against Group C rivals Croatia
