Shanghai Shenhua signing Nicolas Anelka has launched a scathing attack on Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas. The striker blames Villas-Boas and says the manager made him realise there are no friends in the sometimes cruel world of football.
AVB's strange treatment hit Anelka hard. He told The Sun: "Ever since I was punished they put me with the youngsters.
"One day, you can be there scoring goals and doing all you have to do for your club but the day you leave there is no pity.
"That's why the day you do decide to leave you have to do what you have to do and have no sadness either, because there are no friends in football.
"That's the truth. It's sad to say but that's the truth. It's a collective sport but it's also very individual.
"It's true that I could have had a better career but I know I've succeeded and I'm proud of that when I go back to France, back to the suburbs I came from, the guys there are proud of me.
"They know I never gave up. I took plenty of knocks but I'm still here.
"Shanghai is Asia's New York. I love the way they live here. I often come here on holiday. This is my last contract." "I've got all the kit and equipment that professionals have but they put me in a separate changing room - that's football for you.
