Known for his very expensive nomadic career, with transfer fees totalling £109m, Nicolas Anelka has always been a controversial figure both on and off the pitch.
From calling his international manager a “son of a bitch” to performing a “quenelle” as a goal celebration during his time at West Brom, the former France international doesn’t have the best reputation.
However, he’ll always represent one of Arsène Wenger’s best pieces of business, buying him for £650k and selling him two and a half years later for just under £30m to Real Madrid.
Scoring 26 goals in 76 appearances for the Gunners, his time at Highbury never reached the heights expected, without disappointing either.
The player remembers his time there fondly, as he revealed to Onze Mondial this month in a lengthy interview, but admitted the move to Real Madrid was something he couldn’t refuse.
Asked why he thought his former side were struggling to win the trophies they were picking up when he was around, Anelka pointed his finger at the members of the squad, rather than the manager himself.
He said: “Mentally, there’s something lacking. They’ve always had great players, but psychologically, there’s always something. They never manage to hold out until the end. I think Wenger is doing a good job.
“There comes a point where you can’t always criticise the manager. Wenger is good. It’s the players who don’t have that must-win mentality. In my day, there was Vieira, Petit, Dixon, Adams. Mentally they were ready. You knew you’d win. Now, you don’t get that.”
Having worked with the Frenchman for an extended period of time, it’s understandable he would be protective of Wenger’s work, but his criticism is fair.
Few will disagree the likes of Francis Coquelin, Nacho Monreal and Mesut Özil are currently showing a ‘must-win’ mentality every game.
Just look at what José Mourinho had to say to the German playmaker during his time at Real Madrid to get an idea of what even his manager thinks of him at times.
Mesut Ozil reveals extraordinary Jose Mourinho spat – “You’re such a coward” – squared up like boxers. #AFC #MUFC https://t.co/2SJ6pyesXV
— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) March 2, 2017
