New signing hopes to end career at The Hawthorns
NICOLAS Anelka has revealed he plans to spend the rest of his career at The Hawthorns - after becoming Albion’s first summer signing.
The former Arsenal, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City and Chelsea striker, who spent the latter part of last season at Juventus, joined the club on a one-year contract, with a further year’s option in the club’s favour, last night.
And the 34-year-old, who also has 69 caps for France, hopes he can make a real impact as the Baggies look to improve on last season’s eighth-place Barclays Premier League finish.
“I think I will finish in England, I’m happy here,” said Anelka.
“I also hope that it will be with this club.
“I think this is the right club for me.
“I’m 34 years old now and I want to enjoy my football.
“I hope everything will be perfect.
“I hope we will be successful this year and hopefully we will reach Europe.
“We will try to do better than last season.
“That’s why I’m here.
“When I spoke with the head coach he said he wants to do better than last year.
“We will try our best to do that.
“We will also try to do the same in the cup competitions.”
The Paris-born attacker, who spent nine months with head coach Steve Clarke during his time at Chelsea, insists the Baggies boss played a leading role in him joining the club.
“I know the club and I know the head coach which was very important for me,” added Anelka.
“He knows how to use me on the pitch which is important later on in your career.
“I know he likes to play football and that’s why I signed here.
“He knows me and I know him.
“I also have friends in the changing room.”
Anelka, who has scored five goals in seven appearances against his new employers, hopes he can be just as prolific wearing an Albion shirt as he was in opposition colours.
“I’ve always liked West Brom,” he quipped.
“I have a lot of good memories of playing against West Brom and now I have to do my best to score for West Brom.
“When I was playing for Chelsea it was always tough to beat Albion.
“The team plays good football and I know I will be able to play my game here.
“Hopefully I will be able to help the team win more games.
“I don’t know which position I will play.
“As long as I’m playing and enjoying my football I’m happy.”
And Anelka says he is impressed with what he has seen of Albion since arriving at the club’s training ground for a medical yesterday morning.
“I know it’s a big club and a family club,” he added.
“The Hawthorns has a good atmosphere, like many of the Premier League stadiums.
“The facilities at the training ground are also amazing.
“I’m sure I will enjoy my training and hopefully that will extend to the stadium.”