Anelka explains turbulent career path

The Frenchman joined The Citizens from PSG in the close season, after seeing a move to Liverpool fall through, and is delighted with the way things are going at Maine Road.

"Sometimes you need a fresh start. Manchester City have given me that opportunity and I am more than happy to be playing here," Anelka told 'The Daily Mail'. 

"I get on with the players and I like the manager. Kevin Keegan always remains calm, even when the pressure is on."

"He tries to relax everyone by creating a good atmosphere. Sometimes he can even be funny," added the French ace.

"The problems I had at those clubs I have never encountered here in England."

Anelka left England and Arsenal for Real Madrid in a big money deal and he explained that the move did not work out because the club did not really want him at the Santiago Bernabeu.

"Madrid was difficult. Within a fortnight of arriving the president, Lorenzo Sanz was saying he wanted to swap me for Zinedine Zidane and in the dressing room I had problems with Raul and Morientes," revealed the speedy marksman.

"They were local heroes and I had arrived for a lot of money but I played in their position.

"Ronaldo, I suspect. Could experience something similar.

"Going back to Paris was a mistake. I thought I was going home but felt like a stranger.

"In France people often have a problem with those who are successful."

Anelka, now 23, insists he has grown up and is happy to settle down. 

"When I was younger I was impatient, but not any more," maintained Anelka.

"I have grown up and learned you win and sometimes you lose. I am more philosophical, more relaxed about life."

The Gallic star also put the boot in on Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier, who chose not to sign him permanently following a loan spell, claiming his compatriot was unfair to blame Steven Gerrard for the club's Champions League exit.

"I want to speak about Steven Gerrard. I read the reports today (Saturday) and I think it is wrong that Steven has been blamed for what happened to Liverpool in Basel on Tuesday night," explained Anelka.

"It is too easy to blame one player when you suffer a big defeat.

"When you play as 11 you lose as 11. I know Steven, know what a good player and a good person he is.

"I don't want to be seen attacking Houllier. I still appreciate all that he did for me in my time at Liverpool last season, but I had the same problem when he was coach for the French Under-20 team.

"We went to Malaysia for the World Championships and after losing 3-0 to Brazil in the opening game, he blamed Thierry Henry and myself.

"We were both playing out of position but it was our fault.

"I knew it would happen again. Houllier doesn't always cope well with defeat. He doesn't take responsibility. Instead he blames the players, even when it's not fair.

"I'm still in touch with some of the Liverpool players and the problem is not Steven, yet it would seem he has done something terrible.

"He doesn't deserve that type of criticism."