Anelka rejects Shanghai exit reports
10 July 2012 06:03
Former Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka has refuted rumours linking him with a return to England and see out his career at Shanghai Shenhua.
The 33-year-old, who has been linked with English Premier League clubs Queens Park Rangers and West Ham United, has had an indifferent time in China since joining Shanghai on a two-year deal last December.
Anelka has only scored two goals for Shenhua, while battling injury and leadership instability.
He was briefly but in charge of the team following Jean Tigana's departure in April, before former Argentina coach Sergio Batista was handed control the following month.
Anelka was also involved in a spat with a fan last week.
But he has dispelled rumours of his potential departure from China, telling the Oriental Sports Daily he was committed to Shenhua for the rest of his playing career and excited by the imminent arrival of former Chelsea team-mate Didier Drogba.
"I won't go back to the Premier League. If one day I leave Shenhua, it will be the day I retire," Anelka said.
"I will never go back, although I had a good time there. But now I'm in Shenhua and this is my own decision."
Drogba, who signed with Shenhua late last month, is expected to arrive in Shanghai this weekend and Anelka said he would be boosted by the Ivory Coast international's presence as the underperforming club try to move up the table.
"I am waiting for him," Anelka said.
"There were a lot of games when I was alone in front, I would think if Didier was here the situation would be better. I could pass him the ball."
Shenhua are 13th on the Chinese Super League table, one point above the drop zone, having managed only three wins and 13 goals in 16 games so far this term.
However, Anelka was optimistic with Drogba alongside him, Shenhua can avoid relegation and move well up the table.
"Although we're now at the bottom of the league, the gap with other teams is not big and we can climb up after even winning two games," Anelka said.
"I am not worried about relegation. I only think if we can have a better ranking."
