Anelka issues Euro quit warning

Last updated : 16 September 2003 By Ben Collins
In an exclusive in The Sun, City's record signing said: "I have a contract and I'm fine with this club. My understanding with the manager is perfect, as it is with the players and the fans.

"As for what comes next, we will see in due course."

The 24 year-old said last week that he believed City could secure a top four spot this season. But his latest comments show he is desperate to return to the European showpiece, and suggest he would be willing to move on in order to fulfill that ambition, if not achieved by City.

"The Premiership is the most watched competition in the world — but I would really like to play in the Champions League again. I do miss it. It is the place to show the whole world how good you are."

And the Frenchman should know after winning the competition with Real Madrid and scoring in their semi-final against Bayern Munich.

"Big matches motivate me and playing Champions League would replace the France games," added City's top scorer, who has been left in the wilderness with France after snubbing a standby call-up last season.

However, Anelka insisted his immediate plans are committed to success with the Blues.

"My objective this season is to help City to finish higher than we did last year — and to score more goals. The ideal would be to play in the Champions League with City next season.

"I don’t know if that is possible — but you never know what is possible in football. Just look at what Real Sociedad managed to achieve in Spain last season. Who would have predicted that they would finish runners-up in La Liga?

"You always have to aim high. We have made some good signings, we had a good preparation and we have started the season in good form," said Anelka.

"As long as we avoid losing silly points along the way — like we did last year — we ought to have a nice bit of success."