Nicolas Anelka has criticised the French media who he believes have made his entire career difficult.

The Shanghai Shenhua striker suggests that he has been poorly judged by outsiders throughout his playing days and recently took the time to set the record straight.

The former Chelsea and France star says he has no regrets over his move to China or any of the controversies that have littered his career and is happy with the way he has carried himself despite being so misunderstood.

"A man without enemies is a coward. To all those who talk about me and dislike me without even knowing me: 'The feeling is mutual.' My entire career has been one big battle with the press," Anelka told Le Parisien.

"Over 65 million people in France think they know everything about football and are preaching to footballers in the belief that all they can do is kick a ball. But when they cross the Channel, they can't string three words together in English. I speak English, French, Spanish, and now I'm learning Chinese. I can make myself understood anywhere in the world."

He added: "I accepted Shanghai Shenhua's offer because I've been interested in Chinese culture since I was a child. But financial reasons also played a role. I've always been an adventurer who's liked to push his boundaries."