Anelka Happy To Remain A Wanderer

By Mark Heys
July 8 2007

Nicolas Anelka has moved swiftly to deny various media reports which claim that he is on his way out of Bolton Wanderers this summer and this is a view shared by the Trotters manager Sammy Lee.

Valencia, Manchester United, Lyon, Manchester City and Arsenal have all been mentioned as possible destinations for the 28-year old Frenchman but he is happy to commit his future to his current employers whom he joined just under a year ago.

Anelka and Lee sat down over the weekend to hold talks about the future and the end result is that the Wanderers top scorer will remain at the Reebok Stadium for the forseeable future.

Speaking to the club's official website, Anelka says that he is happy to work under the new regime which is currently developing at the Reebok Stadium.

"I have sat down with Sammy Lee over the weekend and he has outlined his plans for the coming season,"

"I like his philosophy and I am looking forward to working with him at the club.He is passionate and wants to continue Bolton's recent success. His ambition matches mine and I want to commit to him.There has been a lot of speculation about my future, but I can honestly say that I am very happy in England and at Bolton. This is a great club with a strong mentality based around being successful.

Anelka is fresh and ready to go ahead of the forthcoming matches in South Korea despite having recently got married and played a number of international matches for his country since the end of last season. 

"We head off to South Korea this week and that will be a good test for us. The summer has been busy for me with internationals and the fact that I got married. The close season has been short, but I feel refreshed and ready for the new season."

Lee is unhappy that players like Anelka, Jussi Jaaskelainen and Kevin Nolan have all been linked with moves away from Bolton but is confident that he will be able to keep his best players away from interested parties.

"I have been concerned about the speculation in the media linking some of my players with moves away from the club. It has been unsettling, but I remain confident that quality players will want to stay here.

"I had a very positive conversation with Nicolas (Anelka) and he has given me his commitment. He enjoys playing for Bolton and last season he felt that his career was progressing back to his best on the back of his solid performances for us. There is no disputing his ambition as a footballer. He is one of the world's best strikers and it is a privilege that he ply his trade with us.

"I know he has ambitions of playing in the Champions League again, which I hope can be achieved with us. If that can't be the case, I will not stand in his way should a Champions League club comes in for him and the deal is right for Bolton Wanderers. Until that time, he doesn't want to play football anywhere else but here"

Anelka will join the rest of the Bolton squad on Monday just a few days prior to their opening match of the Peace Cup against Seongnam Ihwa.