In his recently released Netflix documentary Anelka: Misunderstood, former Liverpool FC striker Nicolas Anelka has revealed that he did not wish to leave the club following the expiry of a short-term loan deal at Anfield back in 2001-02. The Frenchman had joined the Reds from Ligue 1 outfit Paris Saint-Germain, however, only on a temporary basis.
Anelka stated that he had no desire of leaving the club following his short-term stay coming to an end. Moreover, the ex-Chelsea forward expressed regret over how things could have been different for his career had he continued to play for the Reds in the coming years.
“I waited but nothing happened. Liverpool fans think I didn’t want to stay. They need to know that wasn’t the case. I really wanted to stay. And that’s why that episode was tragic for me because it’s a club where I really could have done great things,”
Then Liverpool FC boss Gérard Houllier had chosen not to extend Anelka’s stay at the Merseyside club beyond his initial loan agreement. Instead, the French manager had dipped into the transfer market to sign El Hadji Diouf, who is infamous for being the Reds’ worst signing in recent years.
Anelka’s stint at Anfield, despite being extremely short, was a successful one for both parties. The French striker was a major contributor towards the Houllier’s men securing a second-place finish in the Premier League. He scored crucial goals against Merseyside rivals Everton to lead his side to victory in the memorable derby fixture, besides his attacking exploits in the FA Cup for the Reds.
Watch the trailer of Anelka’s Netflix documentary, Anelka: Misunderstood below:
