Anelka: ‘A very strong bond’
Between 1993 and 1997, Nicolas Anelka came through the ranks of the Paris Saint-Germain youth academy, all the way to the first team, before returning to the French capital for a second spell between 2000 and 2002. This winter, the France international (67 caps) visited the Parc des Princes to speak to PSG TV about his long relationship with 'his' club.
Nicolas, can you tell us about you first team debut?
“Making my debut, first and foremost, it was a dream come true. I grew up watching PSG, the likes of Weah and Ginola, so it was the culmination of a young player that wants to become a professional and manages to do so in his childhood club.”
And do you remember your first goal at the Parc des Princes?
“I remember it. A Lens player lost the ball and I got there first and was one-on-one with the ‘keeper who, I think, came outside the box. I side-footed home. Rai came to me and I jumped in his arms. As a footballer, the first dream is to become a professional, then to score goals. To score at the Parc des Princes that day was extraordinary.”
In 2000, you returned to Paris after time in England and in Spain…
“When I arrived, Ronaldinho wasn’t there yet. There was Peter Luccin, Stéphane Dalmat, Laurent Robert, Sylvain Distin also signed at the same time as me, Bernard Mendy. There was also Fabrice Abriel who I knew from the academy. There was Selim Benachour and Fabrice Kelban. So it was a team of friends, with a lot of quality. We had big ambitions. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out very well, but I was very happy to come back.”
How was it to play with a legend like Ronaldinho?
“Ronnie was still very shy, as he’d only just arrived from Brazil and didn’t know much about European football. We could see his quality, but he was very shy when I knew him at Paris Saint-Germain. After the first season, he transformed into the Ronnie that we all know.”
What is your relationship with the club today?
“I have always come back to the Parc des Princes and the Camp des Loges training centre, even when I played for other clubs. When I signed for Manchester City, I would often come back to see the kids at the Camp des Loges. And would come to games at the Parc des Princes. I always kept that bond with PSG because it’s my club. I’m a Paris Saint-Germain supporter. I came to the Parc when I was a kid. The bond with Paris is very, very strong. I came through the academy here and made my debut here. I will never forget it.”
A bond so strong, you also came and trained with the club in 2013…
“I had signed in China and was in negotiations with a new club. I didn’t know where I was going to play, but I got on well with Carlo Ancelotti, so I asked him if I could come and train. He said yes, so I came. There was Papus Camara, Alex who I’d already played with, Zlatan was also there.”
And now your son Kaïs continues the bond with the club. Why did you choose the Paris youth academy for him in 2023?
“I know how good the coaches are, that’s why I wanted him to come here. I know he has potential, but it’s a long road. He is working well, slow and steady. The fact that I often visit Paris allows me to see him. I think he’s happy. He’s also a Paris Saint-Germain supporter and he’s happy to play with other quality players.”