Nicolas Anelka: I didn't want to take a penalty

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The Frenchman also launched a furious attack on the club's management 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 to Manchester 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."