English Premiership
Anelka extends Chelsea stay
2010-06-24 19:22
Email | Print
London - France striker Nicolas Anelka has extended his contract with Chelsea by a year just days after being sent home in disgrace from the World Cup, the English Premier League champions said Thursday.
Anelka verbally abused France coach Raymond Domenech during the World Cup clash with Mexico in South Africa and, having refused to apologise, was sent home from the tournament.
The rest of the France squad then missed a training session in protest, sparking condemnation from the French government, before the 1998 champions exited the tournament in the group phase.
But having had no similar bust-ups with the forward, a member of the Chelsea side that delivered the west London club its first League and FA Cup 'Double' last season, the Blues had no qualms about keeping Anelka at Stamford Bridge until 2012.
"Chelsea is delighted to announce that Nicolas Anelka has signed a one-year extension to his existing contract that will keep him at the club until 2012," a club spokesman said.
Anelka, 31, said he had no plans to leave Chelsea.
"When I first came to Chelsea I wanted to stay much longer than I did in the past with other clubs," said Anelka.
"It is a big club, you play with big players and I like this club, I like London. There is no need to move anymore and so I am very glad to sign a new contract and I know we will play in big games and win titles. I am very glad."
Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti added: "Nicolas is a fantastic player who has good technical qualities and movement.
"When I was coach at Juventus I wanted to buy him, so it is good now he has signed for me and I think Chelsea is his home," the Italian added. "I look forward to working with him for one year more."
Anelka has scored 42 goals in 123 appearances for Chelsea since joining from Premier League rivals Bolton Wanderers in January 2008.
Click HERE for EPL odds on BET.CO.ZABet.co.za online Pty Ltd t/a Bet.co.za is licensed by the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board. Winners know when to stop. National Responsible Gambling Program 0800 006 008. No under 18's allowed.