Anelka explains France snub

The former Arsenal ace rejected a late call-up to the France national team last weekend for Wednesday's friendly with Yugoslavia after initially being left out of Jacques Santini's original squad and he admitted he just wants to be treated with respect.

Anelka admitted he gave a lot of thought to his decision, but felt he could not join up with the national team as he been treated unfairly by the French Football Federation.

"A lot of things happened, things I didn't appreciate," Anelka told France Football. "They led me to take that decision. The events didn't happen like that, in one day.

"Until now, I didn't say anything, I preferred to remain quiet. The provoking came through a phone call on Sunday afternoon. It was made in a very cavalier way, I didn't like it.

"This lack of consideration not only towards me, but also towards my club, was the last straw.

"Kevin Keegan knew my decision. The ones, notably in the French team, who think I could have been influenced really don't know me!

"People always talk about my entourage, my brothers. Didier has set himself up at Madrid and Claude just opened a bar at Miami Beach. Perhaps we are disturbing? It looks like I don't have the right to take a decision all alone.

"To tell you the truth I have been annoyed by this situation for a long time. Since the moment I left for Real Madrid, I really felt a changing in the sight from French team.

"I don't have anything against the players, most of them are friends. On the whole people were disrespectful toward me. And when you are disrespectful to me, I always react the same way.

"For example, Roger Lemerre always used the "vous" form with me. Why with me and not with the others?

"People criticized me when I didn't score. Now everything is working well, I am scoring and they still didn't call me.

"Perhaps my face or my character is disturbing? I don't know... Anyway, since I stated that, I have received a lot of calls from people who congratulate me.

"They understand me. But I didn't think there would be such a controversy.

"I have always respected Jacques Santini's decisions, so it is up to him to respect mine. I don't ask for anything else."

Anelka also revealed that he was left confused by Santini's reasoning for leaving him out of the original squad after talking to him after the Manchester derby win a fortnight ago.

"I listened to him calmly," said Anelka. "But I didn't really understand what he told me.

"To summarize, he explained to me he didn't call me because he doesn't know me, but he called Daniel Moreira because he didn't know him! What does it mean? It is incoherent.

"Today, I prefer to devote my-self to my club. I didn't abuse France like has been said. "I always felt a great joy and pride, when I had the chance, to defend the colours of French team.

"By coming, I would felt I was cheating myself and also the players. My behaviour is on the contrary very respectful towards the Blue shirt.

"I feel I am a problem, for the officials. "Even if they are hurt by the events, I imagine they are satisfied, saying: 'Anelka doesn't want to play in the French team anymore? We get rid of him and let's call someone else.'

Despite his disappointment at how he has been treated Anelka has not closed the door on a return to the France national team in the future and admitted he has never been happier than now at Manchester City.

"I don't close the door to French team," said Anelka. "It is not a definitive no.

"Now, we will see how things will evolve. For the moment, I don't want to wear that shirt, not in those conditions.

"Yes, I have a great desire to play in the French team, but not at any price. I can assert to you this season I am very happy. There is no one happier than me.

"The coach (Kevin Keegan), the staff and the players are great. I love England with it's style of play which suits me.

"Moreover the fans are fabulous. Even if you win or you lose, they are very respectful and always supporting you.

"I would like to play in the Champions League with this club. This year we can possibly snatch a European spot, even if it will be difficult."