Football Friends Online – When 90 Mins Is Not EnoughWill former Arsenal and Chelsea striker thrive in his Premier League return? - Football Friends Online - When 90 Mins Is Not Enough Will former Arsenal and Chelsea striker thrive in his Premier League return? - Football Friends Online - When 90 Mins Is Not Enough

Will former Arsenal and Chelsea striker thrive in his Premier League return?

Nicolas Anelka has had an incredible career. Since breaking into football with Paris Saint-Germain all the way back in 1996, the now-34-year-old is planning his future for after he hangs up his boots. Plying his trade with Arsenal, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester City, Fenerbahce, Bolton, Chelsea, Shanghai Shenua and most recently Juventus, but has now put pen to paper to play out his career at West Brom.

Anelka worked with Baggies boss Steve Clarke whilst the pair were at Chelsea and have sparked the old relationship just as fans of the club were starting to sweat on who the Scottish gaffer was to replace Romelu Lukaku, who returned to Stamford Bridge after a season-long loan at the Hawthorns.

The bullish Belgian scored a whipping 17 goals last season which instantly puts pressure on Anelka’s back, along with his prior goalscoring records at the top of European football, but it is a match made in heaven as far as the former France international is concerned. He has stated that his aim is to propel the Midlands club into Europe before he calls it a day, and although he has lost the majority of the pace he was once renowned for he still holds the instinctive nature in front of goal. If West Brom break into the top seven, then Anelka is a hero. If they don’t then the blame won’t be on his head. Win-win.

Anelka’s movement has transformed into that of a poacher but is still able to play in a wider role which we saw at Chelsea, which will be integral for the Albion.

Time will tell, of course, but Anelka thrives on being a big name in a lesser club. Just ask Bolton Wanderers.