Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka would love to extend his time at
Stamford Bridge until 2014 before heading for a big-money move
abroad.
The 30-year-old still has around 18 months left on his
current contract with the Premier League club - but talks over a
new deal have been mooted.
And Anelka, who has never spent more than two-and-a-half
years at any club, insists he wants to see out his best days at
Stamford Bridge.
"I would love to sign for another three further years," he
told French newspaper 20 minutes. "I still have one year left. I
see myself playing here until I'm 34. And that would not be the end
of my career.
"Afterwards I don't know. I could go to the Middle East, to
Qatar, Abu Dhabi or the United States. I don't know.
"I have often been criticised for changing clubs. At the same
time, it's good to experience different things, whether it's in
Turkey or Spain.
"Everywhere has enriched me. It's a mentality different to
that in France."
Anelka, who has played in France, England, Spain and Turkey,
admits a move to the Middle East or America would be little more
than a money-spinning end to his career.
"I wouldn't be going to Qatar to play the Champions League,"
he added. "In any case that doesn't exist.
It (the money) is the truth."
Anelka is enjoying a new lease of life under Carlo Ancelotti,
who was installed as Chelsea boss last summer and seems to have
cracked the code on how to best utilise Didier Drogba and the
France international.
"In a way I have never felt as strong on the pitch,"
continued Anelka. "When I was asked to play as an out-and-out
striker, you never saw me doing what I'm doing now. That's why I
always wanted to play behind the striker. Showing what I can do
other than score goals. I've rarely had the chance to do that.
"When I signed for Chelsea I absolutely wanted to play with
Didier up front. From the first year they put us in competition.
"But to play both of us together is the best solution and
Ancelotti has understood that well, and me, playing freely, well
it's extraordinary.
"The fact that my football has been understood allows me to
be happy in life. I know that I am understood." While Anelka is
thriving in club football like never before, France are struggling.
Les Bleus qualified for next summer's World Cup by the skin of
their teeth and the pressure on Raymond Domenech has reached
boiling point. But Anelka has leapt to the defence of his
under-fire coach, claiming he is even better than Aime Jacquet who
led France to the World Cup in 1998.
"I've never been able to talk like this before with a France
coach," he said. "Before, there was (Jacques) Santini - it was
impossible to talk to him. (Roger) Lemerre, likewise. (Aime)
Jacquet? Impossible too. Despite what people say, it's with
Domenech that I have the best relationship.
"Things change quickly - today he is the hated figure, like
Aime Jacquet in his time. Now, Jacquet is the kind. Because he won
a World Cup. Everything can change quickly. You just have to be
patient, be strong mentally. And he's patient.
"Maybe in six months he will be the 'Boss' and no-one can
insult him."
France only reached South Africa with a controversial
play-off victory over the Republic of Ireland - courtesy of a
Thierry Henry handball setting up the decisive goal. They have been
roundly criticised across the globe and in France itself but Anelka
believes now is the time to put that incident behind them. And the
former Paris Saint-Germain forward has urged the French people to
get fully behind them.
"We have never felt supported," said Anelka, who believes Les
Bleus are capable of World Cup glory.
"That's why we're always in a rage. "You mustn't think that
we don't know when we play badly. After the return match against
Ireland, myself, (Patrice) Evra and Titi (Henry) said: 'We were
lousy!'
"All that should be considered now is that France are
qualified.
"If it (the handball) had happened against us, we would have
started crying. But no, this year, we're not crying. We're going
there.
"Now, we're going there to win. There are some people who
will laugh at that, but in our heads we can do it."
