Anelka Signs Seven-Year PSG Contract

Nicolas Anelka signed a seven-year contract with his fromer team Paris Saint-Germain today after PSG paid Real Madrid just over 215 million francs ($30.7 million) to secure his services.

Anelka was officially presented as a PSG player just before a preseason friendly between the Paris club and Brazilian side Corinthians.

Anelka said his desire to return to France was very strong, and it played a very important part in the negotiations. He also said he felt proud and happy to have worn the Real Madrid shirt, even though he had his share of problems there.

“I don’t regret having signed for Real Madrid last season, but I wouldn’t continue in Spain,” said Anelka.

The striker also said he learned a lot outside of France, especially from Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

“I don’t regret having played abroad for three-and-a-half years,” Anelka said. “In life you have highs and lows. I saw the chance to return to Paris and I took it, although I feared the deal wouldn’t happen once Lorenzo Sanz wasn’t reelected.”