French football legend Nicolas Anelka spent a brief but unforgettable time at Real Madrid.
The former striker joined the Santiago Bernabeu from Arsenal in the summer of 1999 but only stayed for one season before returning to his boyhood club Paris Saint-Germain.
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Throughout his season in the Spanish capital, the Frenchman scored seven goals and assisted six in 33 games, en route to winning the Champions League.
Anelka looks back on his Real Madrid days
Now, speaking to Sport, Anelka looks back fondly on his time at Real Madrid, albeit a brief one.
“Well, it’s unbelievable to win the Champions League. It’s not easy. Especially playing for Real Madrid, it’s special. It’s one of the biggest clubs in the world. I have very good memories of my time in Spain, unforgettable memories.” he said.
“Because, first of all, Real Madrid is a special club. As I said before, it is one of the biggest clubs in the world. Winning the Champions League is also special. So, those two things together are even more special.” Anelka added.
Nicolas Anleka during his time at Real Madrid. (Photo by Henry Swack/Bongarts/Getty Images)
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Anelka later praised fellow Frenchman Kylian Mbappe’s performance at Real Madrid, backing him and the team to win important titles this season.
“Yes, I watch the games. Kylian is doing well. He scores in every game. And he’s good at it. He scored in Monaco, in Paris. Now he’s scoring in Madrid.” Anelka admitted.
“I think the only thing missing is to win titles for Real Madrid. Hopefully at the end of the season he will win La Liga or the Champions League. But I think Real Madrid will win something this season.”
Anelka went on to claim that Mbappe is one of the best players in the world right now, alongside Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, saying:
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“he [Lamine] One of the greatest talents in Europe and the world. Like Mbappe, I think they are the two best. Especially when I’m talking about France and Spain. He will play for Spain and Mbappe will play for France.
“So it’s going to be a great battle. It’s already a great battle between Barcelona and Real Madrid… and it’s going to be for a long time.”