A football nomad is a title given to those players that have played for several different clubs throughout their careers. Nicole Anelka might be the epitome of that term, as he has astonishingly played for the likes of Chelsea, PSG, Juventus, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool during his 2 decades as a football player.
This article will be looking back at one of the earliest phases of his career, as we rewind back the 3 year period that saw him play for both Arsenal and Real Madrid.
From PSG to Arsenal
After spending 2 years at PSG, Arsenal signed a young 17 year old Nicolas Anelka in February 1997 for a £500,000 transfer fee. This was a new chapter for both the player and club, as Anelka jumped ship from France to England and Arsenal were under the leadership of new manager Arsène Wenger.
Anelka's opportunities were limited during the 1996–97 season, but his fortunes changed in the succeeding season. A long-term injury to Arsenal striker Ian Wright saw Anelka break into the Arsenal starting eleven. His debut goal for the club was quite a memorable one as well, with the Frenchman on target in Arsenal's 3-2 victory over rivals Manchester United.
The season ended on a massively successful note for the Gunners, who achieved a Double by winning the League and FA Cup. Anelka was instrumental in achieving those historic feats, with the Frenchman playing a key role in the league and even scoring during the FA Cup final against Newcastle.
Anelka continued his excellence in the next season as well, as he finished the campaign as Arsenal's top goalscorer with 17 goals. This also led to the Frenchman being voted as the PFA Young Player of the Year.
Despite his individual heroics, Arsenal went on to have an underwhelming season that saw them perform poorly in both domestic and European competitions.
Rumours of the player's transfer and his perceived lack of enthusiasm resulted in fans turning on Anelka, and all of this eventually led to the player announcing his intention of leaving the club. Anelka also blamed the British Press for his unhappiness in England. It was a sad end to what could have been a legendary stint at Arsenal.
Los Blancos come calling
The disastrous turn of events eventually led Anelka to Spain, as Real Madrid signed the French forward for a £22.3 million transfer fee. This was however, the beginning of yet another disaster.
Anelka faced immense difficulties in adapting to Spanish football, as he shockingly failed to score a single goal during his first five months at the club. His first goal eventually came in a FIFA Club World Championship tie against Saudi side Al Nassr on 5th January 2000. He went on to score a brace just 2 days later against Corinthians in the same competition, even though he missed a penalty that could've sealed him a hat-trick.
The great run of form in the FIFA Club World Championship was carried into the Spanish League, as Anelka got his first La Liga goal in Real Madrid's 3-0 demolition of rivals Barcelona. However, things quickly went from promising to yet another disaster again. A disagreement with Madrid manager Vicente del Bosque resulted in Anelka refusing to train for the club, which further led to Anelka being suspended by Madrid president Lorenzo Sanz.
Anelka eventually returned to the team, and provided his greatest contribution in a Madrid shirt by scoring in both legs of their Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich to earn them a 3-2 victory on aggregate. The Frenchman started in the European Cup final as well, which ended in a comfortable 3-0 victory for Real Madrid against Spanish rivals Valencia. The result meant Los Blancos lifted their 8th European Cup, while Anelka got his first taste of European success.
That was also the end of his time at Real Madrid, as the Frenchman returned back to his youth club PSG for a second chapter.
