Anelka's reputation regret

Nicolas Anelka has admitted his reputation has put clubs off signing him.

Nicolas Anelka has admitted his reputation has put clubs off signing him.

The former Real Madrid man has been continually linked with a move away from Fenerbahce with Anelka suggesting he would like to play for a bigger club than the Turkish outfit

The Frenchman has been linked with a move to Newcastle for the last few months, but Anelka believes his reputation puts off interested suitors.

The 26-year-old has had a somewhat turbulent career with a number of people questioning Anelka's personality.

"It's not a big club - it's a good club but I have the impression that other clubs fear that my character could cause a problem," Anelka told French magazine So Foot.

Anelka admitted he was disappointed not to secure a move to Liverpool after a successful spell on loan at Anfield in 2002 and he aimed a swipe at former Reds boss Gerard Houllier for going back on his word about signing him.

"I need stability," he said. "I thought I had found it at Liverpool," added Anelka.

"I loved everything at the club, from the team-mates to the chairman, from the town to the supporters.

"God wanted it differently, however, it's a pity. Today, that's the sort of challenge I am looking for.

"Gerard Houllier allowed me to believe that I deserved my place in that team 100 times.

"At the last moment - and I don't know why - he decided not to keep me. He did not keep his word which is typical of him."

Anelka also admitted he had problems at Manchester City because he felt they depended too heavily on him.

"The team was not fantastic and I did not have very much good service. I felt I had to do everything - it became tiring," said Anelka of his time at City.

The talented forward enjoyed his time at Arsenal because he felt they played to his strengths.

"It was easy, everyone played for me. I didn't have to only run and track back," said Anelka.

"Arsenal's game was fast and fluid - it played to my strengths. Since then I have not played at a team that was entirely at my service."