Anelka happy with international exile

Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka said Thursday he is happy to be in international exile following France’s 2010 World Cup debacle which saw him banned for 18 matches.

The temperamental 32-year-old triggered a meltdown at last year’s World Cup, when his expulsion led to team-mates calling an ill-judged strike before France were dumped out in the first round.

Anelka was later banned for 18 matches – effectively ending his international career – although the player claimed he had already decided to quit playing for Les Bleus.

In an interview with Chelsea’s website yesterday, Anelka said he had no regrets about the acrimonious end to his international playing career, saying he was happy to be able to spend more time with his family.

“I don’t miss it, I am glad to be out of it,” Anelka said. “Of course it can help to not play, you play less games so it is perfect to be off and to think about something else for one or two weeks then come back fresh to the club.”