Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka is backing former club Manchester City to become a major power.

"I was playing against my former club," Anelka wrote in his weekly column for website lesdessousdusport.fr. "I had already scored against Bolton.

"For Manchester City, it was a special match. There had been many changes. A new management. It's positive for them.

"They will improve the team with great players like Robinho who has just signed.

"After Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool, we might have another very big team in the league."