Anelka: Real players were jealous
The French ace quit Arsenal for the Santiago Bernabeu in 1999, but spent just one unhappy season in the Spanish capital before returning to Paris Saint Germain.
The player was troubled by injuries and a loss of form, but he has revealed that certain high-profile members of the camp made life difficult for him.
He said: "My life at Real Madrid was made difficult from day one because I was an outsider and many people did not want me to sign.
"The Spanish players at the club, particularly Hierro and Raul, are very close, so when I came in as a big money signing and took Raul`s place in the team, there were problems."
Anelka had a successful end to last season on loan at Liverpool, but he is now set to complete a transfer to Manchester City when he passes a medical on Monday.
The fleet-footed Frenchman was initially left in limbo when The Reds decided not to turn his loan move from Paris Saint Germain into a permanent arrangement.
Citizens boss Kevin Keegan had been monitoring the situation for some time and decided to step in with an offer that Anelka almost immediately accepted.
The forward, who has a reputation for being moody, seems content with the pace of life in England.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, he said: "Signing for City has not been a difficult decision to make.
"I have a good feeling about the club and manager Kevin Keegan.
"They are moving to a fantastic new stadium and I already have a good friend at the club in Ali Benarbia, and Sylvain Distin has just joined from Newcastle.
"I want to stay in England because life is uncomplicated. I don't like being in the spotlight and don't like being interviewed but in Spain and France the media always want an answer.
"Here, I can walk the streets unnoticed and not be bothered. That's the way I like it. I don't sulk or moan, I just like to be left alone."
He also reflected on his spell at Arsenal and admitted he would consider returning to North London at some point in the future.
The Citizens are also on the brink of landing another striker, Matias Vuoso from Independiente, and he seems ready to take up the challenge at Maine Road.
Speaking to Ole, he said: "The pace of the game in England is different, faster and more direct. Until now I have not thought much about English football.
"The main worry I have is having to start a new life. I just hope people are affectionate towards me. It will be a new stage in my life and I am ready for the challenge."
The forward should finalise terms at some point this week, but he will need an interpretor as he speaks little English.
"I speak very little English, I can say hello and nothing else," he added.
