Arriving in north London from Paris Saint Germain in 1997 at the age of just 17, Nicolas Anelka came to England as an unknown quantity and one of Arsene Wenger’s earliest signings.
He went on to score 28 times in 90 appearances in Arsenal colours, scooping the PFA Young Player of the Year award before moving to Real Madrid in 1999.
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Another spell with the Parisians followed and with two of his former clubs preparing to face off in the Champions League, Anelka will have more than a passing interest.
“I love both clubs because I spent some great years at Arsenal, so may the best team win,” he said. “I’m not supporting one team over the other, because they are two big clubs, two good clubs that play good football and I think it will be an exceptional match.
“Arsenal are a team that like to attack, and the same goes for PSG. It will be attack versus attack and a good game to watch. We’ll see the result at the end, but it will be a good game.
“It will be a very difficult match for PSG, like it will be for Arsenal. The Gunners play very good football, Arsene Wenger’s style is still there. Every year they get out of their group so I think it will be between PSG and Arsenal for top spot in the group.
“Arsenal are a physical side, with that technical French touch as well. That’s where we’ll see how strong this Paris side is, but PSG are a strong side.
“These two sides will get out of the group, and it’s there that it really begins, when you step up another level in class.”
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