Anelka talks up Drogba chances for Shenhua
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E-mail Shanghai Daily, February 17, 2012
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Nicolas Anelka of France (left) receives a dragon-shaped artwork from Ada, the daughter of Shanghai Shenhua investor Zhu Jun, during a promotional event in Shanghai yesterday. |
Nicolas Anelka said yesterday he hoped his former teammate and Chelsea striker Didier Drogba would join him in Shanghai.
In his first official appearance in front of the media and fans last night, the Frenchman said he kept in touch with the Ivory Coast hitman.
"If everything goes well, he'll probably come (to Shenhua)," Anelka told Shenhua fans during the launch of Firefall, The9.com's new online game.
"I talk with him (Drogba) often. I hope Drogba will come, but it is something that has to be decided by the club and the boss."
The Ivory striker is also the man that Anelka wants to play with, he said.
Negotiations between Shenhua and Drogba seems to have hit a wall as Shenhua boss Zhu Jun has not updated any new information since February 1.
Zhu was not present last night.
Anelka told fans why he chose to come to China.
"I like the way of thinking and habits of Chinese people," Anelka said. "That's why I finally chose China even though I had two other options."
The former French international admitted he knew little about the city and the country but was more keen to take the club forward.
"China's football is fresh for me. I don't want to talk too much about its level as I haven't played any official games yet. But we're all human beings, football is not easy for everyone. As far as I know all the clubs I played are good, so I believe Shenhua will also be good," said the 33-year-old.
"It is an honor for me to come to China and join Shenhua. As I have become a member of the club, I will try to help my teammates to improve and I hope there will be a star among them in the future."
The training in Spain also seemed to have left a good first impression of the club on Anelka.
"I had a lot of support from my teammates, which made it a lot easier for me," he said.
Anelka's appearance last night was well attended. As soon as he walked in, the fans called out his name, "Nico! Nico! Nico!"
"They're super," Anelka said.
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