Anelka attacks Chelsea for treatment of veteran players

Oct 15, 2012 10:48:00 AM

The Shanghai Shenua striker has attacked his former club by claiming that as soon as players reach the age of 30 they are no longer seen as important and are forced out of the side

Nicolas Anelka has launched an attack on his former club Chelsea after accusing them of disposing of players once they reach their thirties.

Anelka, 33, who was sold to Shanghai Shenua in January this year, believes that once a player hits the age of the 30 they are no longer wanted at Chelsea.

"At Chelsea, as soon as you get past 30, you get the impression you’re too old," the Express report Anelka as saying.

The Frenchman’s comments come after Florent Malouda, 32, was banished to train with the Chelsea youth team after being unable to agree to a move away from the club. The France international was an influential member of the squad two seasons ago but has drifted from the first team and now finds himself training with the youngsters.


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Anelka added: "It’s sad what’s happening to Flo [Malouda]. Two years ago, he was named player of the year.”

It is not just Malouda and Anelka that are over 30 who have been forced out of the Chelsea squad however. Brazilian defender Alex and Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba are two others that have left the club having entered their thirties.

Under former manager Andre Villas Boas, England midfielder Frank Lampard was regularly sidelined and he, alongside, left-back Ashley Cole are another pair whose Chelsea futures may be in doubt.

"Chelsea could react in another way," Anelka declared. "When they need you, you’re the best. When they don’t, get lost."

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