Nicolas Anelka has ended any uncertainty surrounding his future by signing a new one-year contract at Chelsea.
French forward commits to another year
Nicolas Anelka has ended any uncertainty surrounding his future by signing a new one-year contract at Chelsea.
The Frenchman will now remain at Stamford Bridge until at least the summer of 2012.
Fears had been mounting that he could have been among those heading for the exits this year, with Michael Ballack and Joe Cole having already left the Blues at the end of their respective deals.
Anelka did always have 12 months left to run on his contract, but Chelsea were reluctant to see him run those terms down.
Reports suggested that he could be a potential summer target for a number of the Blues' Premier League rivals, with the 31-year-old a proven goalscorer at that level.
However, having helped Carlo Ancelotti's side to a league and cup double last season, Anelka has opted to prolong his two-year association with the club.
Ambition
"When I first came to Chelsea I wanted to stay much longer than what I did in the past with other clubs," he told the club's
official website.
"It is a big club, you play with big players and I like this club, I like London. There is no need to move anymore and so I am very glad to sign a new contract and I know we will play in big games and win titles. I am very glad."
Manager Ancelotti added: "Nicolas is a fantastic player who has good technical qualities and movement.
"When I was coach at Juventus I wanted to buy him, so it is good now he has signed for me and I think Chelsea is his home. I look forward to working with him for one year more."
Anelka has scored 42 goals for Chelsea in 123 games following his arrival from Bolton Wanderers in January 2008.
