Quotes from Nicolas Anelka

In football there are lots of origins, cultures, religions and no one feels left out. We all play together and we are all friends. Supporters see that and feel part of the same family, especially in England where you feel very welcome.

I've always had fond feelings about Asia.

The one thing I can tell you is that I can't stand the English press, who cause me enormous problems on a personal level.

I know my game and I know my qualities.

I don't miss playing for the national side, I am glad to be out of it.

My time at City and at Bolton was wonderful. I met a lot of good people at both clubs.

When Real Madrid want you, it is difficult to say 'No' but, when I got there, I knew I could not stay longer.

I was very young in the past at Arsenal, at Real Madrid as well.

With hindsight, if you want to play for Real Madrid, sacrifices need to be made but I was too young to understand. There are things I shouldn't have said or done. It was early in my career, maybe too early. I didn't know it was the only Champions League I'd win, for example.

When I left Arsenal, it was because I had done everything there and a big club like Real Madrid wanted me and even David Beckham couldn't turn them down.

I did very little at Real Madrid. I would have liked to do much more but I didn't get the chance.

I was very young when I was with Real Madrid and in some ways 'appreciated it and in others I didn't.

The jobs of manager and director of football are too big for one individual - this I realised very quickly.

I had great moments in my life and I'm happy with what I achieved.

When you have been coached by Ancelotti and other greats, it's hard to be coached by Domenech!

For me, ever since the South Africa World Cup, the French team is part of the past.

I missed out on the World Cup twice and it did not kill me.

When I knew I had the chance to play for Liverpool I couldn't refuse it.

When I reflect on my career I have no regrets.

I'd compare myself to Zinedine Zidane - a humble guy who just happened to be the best.

It is foolish to hold against me remarks that I never made.

I think Martin Keown was the toughest. I liked playing against him in training because I knew it was just like a game situation.

People must not lose sight of the fact that football is a game. I would find it healthy that it remain so.

I am a simple person, I try to do my best on the pitch and do nothing wrong both on and off the pitch.