Nicolas Anelka has pledged his future to Bolton, amid talk that the well-travelled striker could be ready to quit the Reebok Stadium.
Speculation has been rife in the close-season that the talented-but-temperamental front-man is keen to quit Bolton, in the pursuit of UEFA Champions League football.
A number of clubs, including Valencia and former employers Arsenal, have been mooted as suitors of the France international but Anelka has moved to reaffirm his commitment to Bolton.
Ahead of the club's pre-season tour of South Korea, Anelka has issued a timely boost to new Bolton boss Sammy Lee.
"I have sat down with Sammy Lee over the weekend and he has outlined his plans for the coming season," Anelka told the club's official website.
"I like his philosophy and I am looking forward to working with him at the club. He is passionate and wants to continue Bolton's recent success.
"His ambition matches mine and I want to commit to him. There has been a lot of speculation about my future, but I can honestly say that I am very happy in England and at Bolton.
"This is a great club with a strong mentality based around being successful.
"We head off to South Korea this week and that will be a good test for us. The summer has been busy for me with internationals and the fact that I got married.
"The close-season has been short, but I feel refreshed and ready for the new season."
Rookie tactician Lee is loath to lose any of his top names, as he bids to step into the sizeable void left by Sam Allardyce's switch to Newcastle, and he has spoken of his delight at Anelka's renewed enthusiasm for the club.
"I have been concerned about the speculation in the media linking some of my players with moves away from the club. It has been unsettling, but I remain confident that quality players will want to stay here.
"I had a very positive conversation with Nicolas (Anelka) and he has given me his commitment. He enjoys playing for Bolton and last season he felt that his career was progressing back to his best on the back of his solid performances for us."
While Lee is understandably pleased with Anelka's stance, he also concedes that should a top club come calling, then he will sanction his departure.
"I know he has ambitions of playing in the Champions League again, which I hope can be achieved with us," concluded Lee.
"If that can't be the case, I will not stand in his way should a Champions League club come in for him and the deal is right for Bolton Wanderers.
"Until that time, he doesn't want to play football anywhere else but here."
Source : www.skysports.com
By Alex Dunn - Created on 8 Jul 2007
