I don’t miss playing for France – Chelsea’s Nicolas Anelka

Nicolas Anelka (France) – (Panoramic)

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Chelsea attacker Nicolas Anelka has made it clear that he doesn’t miss playing for the France national side and he’s glad that he’s no longer part of the setup.

The striker retired from international football after France’s disastrous 2010 World Cup campaign, during which he was sent home after a clash with then coach Raymond Domenech.

“I don’t miss playing for the national side, I am glad to be out of it,” Anelka told Chelsea’s official website.

The experienced attacker stated that he’s relieved to have some more time for his family now he no longer has to travel around the world with Les Bleus.

“Of course it can help to not play, you play less games so it is perfect to be off and to think about something else for one or two weeks then come back fresh to the club,” he said.

“You get some family life, go to Paris, wherever you want with your family, it is perfect. But I used to be like this when I played for Manchester City and in the beginning at Bolton, so I know this situation and I like it.

“I really don’t think about the national team or playing games.”

Chelsea remain a long shot to win the Premier League, but they are still in the Champions League and will play Manchester United in the quarter-final first leg next week.