Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka admits France's players weren't interested in playing Uruguay this week.

Anelka was in action midweek for his country in a dull goalless draw at home to Uruguay.

Both countries appeared to be going through the motions in the friendly international, with neither goalkeeper seriously tested, and Anelka admits the players were as bored as the fans.

"If the supporters were bored during the France-Uruguay match, you should know that the players were too," he said. "You have to understand the players.

"We are tired, there are numerous club fixtures. And France-Uruguay, it was really a friendly match. We had to do it, we did it, that's business.

"But on the other hand, we wouldn't be happy with joining up with the squad for a training session but no match.

"For this game, my Chelsea team-mate, Florent Malouda, wasn't selected.

"He had a good beginning of the season, but these are the coach's choices. He's obliged to accept it.

"Life continues, he has only missed a friendly."