Move to big club Juventus pleases Anelka

01 February 2013 19:48

Former France and Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka expressed his delight at "finding a big club" in the form of Juventus, as his transfer to the Italian giants was finalised on Friday.

"It's nice to get back to a big club," said Anelka, 33, who left Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua to join the defending Serie A champions on a five-month contract that will reportedly net him an estimated 1.2million euro salary.

The deal also includes an option for an additional year.

Anelka also spoke of the Turin outfit's European ambitions, playing up their chances on the continental stage.

"The Champions League is a very difficult competition to win, but a team like Juventus has the players and qualities needed and will do everything to win the cup," the ex-France international told the club's website.

"I'm proud to put on the shirt. I know that Serie A is a very difficult, physical, hotly-contested and very demanding league," he continued.

"I've never played in Italian football, the English style corresponds more to my style but I appreciated other leagues."

Anelka also said he would take fond memories from his year in China, labelling Shanghai a "magnificent city" before adding that "it was a bit more difficult on the football side but I don't regret this great experience".

Source: AFP