France Transfer Rumors: Crossing My Fingers for Anelka

January 5th, 2008 | by: Laurie |

I am checking Google News about five times a day for transfer rumors about a Nicolas Anelka trade. Five times a day. I’m not exaggerating. I wrote up my thoughts in an article for the main page at The Offside here.

I have no idea why I want this so badly for him. I guess I like to believe in the power of redemption, and in people’s ability to change for the better. And I’ve never thought that he was as bad as people said he was. Very focused, led astray by his brothers, and somewhat lacking in people skills. But not a bad person, and an amazing player. I desperately want to see him in Champions League before it’s too late. (And don’t let me down once you get there, Nico.)

Alas, still no news. Bolton manager Gary Megson is saying there has not yet been a formal approach from Chelsea or anybody. Tongues were wagging this week when he was omitted from the roster for the FA Cup. The assumption was that it was to keep him from being cup-tied. But Megson says no, it was to keep him healthy so he can continue to single-handedly keep Bolton out of the relegation zone. So we continue to wait and see.

Another interesting rumor about Bolton, though? That they might bring in Djibril Cisse to take Anelka’s place. Cisse hasn’t found his stride at Marseille this year, so this one could have some merit. Could be interesting. Djibril’s another one who breaks my maternal heart, and I’d like to see him find success somewhere.

And this isn’t about the winter transfer period, but Gazzetta Dello Sport is reporting that former Next Zidane Yoann Gourcuff will be waived from Milan in the summer. Come back to France, Yoann! They can love you like you deserve to be loved!!

And on that happy thought, I leave you with another. Happy thought, that is. Or happy video. I believe the gang at “Scrubs” are Anelka fans.

(Show of hands if you remember this goal.)

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Jean-Michel

I think its great that Domenech has brought him back on the team despite him snubbing the call up for a friendly with the old coach Santini and also Anelka expressing disgust for not being included on the ‘06 WC team. Shows that Anelka is in excellent form and Domenech has the ability to 1)recognize talent & 2)Do whats best for the team despite the past.
Laurie, I too have been wondering when the hell this Chelsea transfer will take place. I thought it would have been a done deal by now. I read a few different explanations about the butterfly thing Anelka does after each goal he scores. One website says it was an inside thing between him and his friends back home and that its personal. Another site said that his daughter’s name translated means butterfly and that he does it for her. Another one says he picked it up from his time in Turkey and that was part of the song the fans used to sing. Anyone know for sure??
http://france.worldcupblog.org Laurie

I’d seen the butterfly/daughter rumor, but not the others. As far as I know he’s never said.

Also, Chelsea made an official bid today, but reports are saying that Bolton turned them down.
Patrick

I’ve heard yet another different story about the butterfly thing. The commentators on TV5 said that it is for his wife.
http://france.worldcupblog.org Laurie

Interesting. He’s been married for less than a year, and the butterfly sign predates that, doesn’t it? I’m trying to remember.
Patrick

Well I have no idea how long he’s been doing the butterfly thing. But the commentary that I am referring to was in the first France-Ukraine match. I believe the commentator said, “Ça c’est pour faire signe à sa fiancée qui deviendra sa femme dans quelques jours.” So he was doing the symbol before they were married. The question is: “How long has he known his wife?”
http://senegal.worldcupblog.org Magnusson

He has known his wife for quite some time now apparently.
I know it was personal and family oriented but my friends and I always pretend it’s because he’s a Wu-Tang fan.
http://tunisia.worldcupblog.org/ Rami

Hey Laurie, looks like your dream came true!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/7175749.stm
http://france.worldcupblog.org Laurie

Oh, Rami, I saw!! It was the first thing I checked when I got up this morning, and it made my entire day!