France striker Nicolas Anelka is determined to make an impact at the World Cup after missing out on the last three editions.
The 31-year-old refused to play under former national team coach Jacques Santini and was out of the squad for three years before current boss Raymond Domenech recalled him in November 2005.
Now firmly established in the manager's plans for South Africa, Chelsea forward Anelka is a frontrunner for a starting spot, and is confident Les Bleus can repeat their 1998 triumph.
"It's a very big competition for any player, I have never taken part in it before and I am very happy to get the chance," said Anelka.
"There's no point playing just for the sake of it. We will only be happy if we've played well and if we've won it. Why not?"
Domenech's men narrowly clinched their place in the tournament after knocking out Republic of Ireland in a tight play-off, but Anelka predicts a better showing from his team in South Africa.
"We think we can win it and we have the players to do so," he added.
"We have been working well physically and tactically and we can't wait to see what it brings out on the field."
Known for his outspoken nature, Anelka did not shy away from slamming Domenech's lack of tactical awareness when European champions Spain defeated France 2-0 in March.
"It's logical to be critical when you lose a match, and when you lose in this way," he said. "We have been working on things this week to make us better tactically."
Anelka's Chelsea colleague Florent Malouda has been largely given the cold shoulder since France's disappointing Euro 2008 campaign, where he failed to impress in a defensive role.
But he could potentially slot into midfield alongside Jeremy Toulalan and Yoann Gourcuff in South Africa, and Anelka is backing him to shine.
"He does this very well for Chelsea, so he can do it just as well for France," added Anelka.
"He had a great season for Chelsea. I think the coach will give him his chance and he'll take it."
The 31-year-old refused to play under former national team coach Jacques Santini and was out of the squad for three years before current boss Raymond Domenech recalled him in November 2005.
Now firmly established in the manager's plans for South Africa, Chelsea forward Anelka is a frontrunner for a starting spot, and is confident Les Bleus can repeat their 1998 triumph.
"It's a very big competition for any player, I have never taken part in it before and I am very happy to get the chance," said Anelka.
"There's no point playing just for the sake of it. We will only be happy if we've played well and if we've won it. Why not?"
Domenech's men narrowly clinched their place in the tournament after knocking out Republic of Ireland in a tight play-off, but Anelka predicts a better showing from his team in South Africa.
"We think we can win it and we have the players to do so," he added.
"We have been working well physically and tactically and we can't wait to see what it brings out on the field."
Known for his outspoken nature, Anelka did not shy away from slamming Domenech's lack of tactical awareness when European champions Spain defeated France 2-0 in March.
"It's logical to be critical when you lose a match, and when you lose in this way," he said. "We have been working on things this week to make us better tactically."
Anelka's Chelsea colleague Florent Malouda has been largely given the cold shoulder since France's disappointing Euro 2008 campaign, where he failed to impress in a defensive role.
But he could potentially slot into midfield alongside Jeremy Toulalan and Yoann Gourcuff in South Africa, and Anelka is backing him to shine.
"He does this very well for Chelsea, so he can do it just as well for France," added Anelka.
"He had a great season for Chelsea. I think the coach will give him his chance and he'll take it."
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