I didn't want to take a penalty, insists Chelsea striker Anelka

The Frenchman also launched a furious attack on Chelsea manager Avram Grant for failing to play him as a central striker since his £15million move from Bolton in January.

Anelka’s sudden-death spot-kick was saved by Edwin van der Sar on Wednesday night, handing the Champions League trophy to Manchester United.

Spot of bother: Chelsea's Nicolas Anelka shows his agony after his penalty miss handed trophy to United

As an experienced striker, Anelka had been asked to take one of the first five penalties but turned down the request because he did not feel ready, having come on as a 99th minute substitute.

In the event, Chelsea scored their first four penalties before captain John Terry hit the post, sending the shoot-out into sudden death.

Anelka said: “I did not think for a moment I was going to come on.

"I had remained sitting on the bench and suddenly they asked me to play — not
even a minute after sending me to warm up.

“I do not know if that has happened before in a Champions League Final, in a match of such intensity, that a player is sent onto the pitch without having warmed up.

“When you come on you should at least be ready to make some runs.

They asked me to be in the first five penalty takers. I said: ‘Out of the question. I have come on almost as a right-back and you want me to take a penalty.’

In the end I had to go for it in seventh position. I decided to put my shot where I did and Van der Sar saved it. All the better for him. That is the game.”

In an interview with French newspaper L’Equipe, Anelka also spoke of his frustration at his lack of opportunities at Chelsea in his preferred position as a central striker.

He said: “Since I arrived at Chelsea I have never been played in my position. Never as a second striker, always on the left and right. I have said nothing until now.

“When I came here they told me I would play in a 4-4-2. I did not join to play on the right or left. I no longer have any need to prove what I am worth playing in the middle.

“I could have played up front with Didier.

He wanted that as well but our partnership has never even been tried in training.

"We must have played together for half an hour.”