Anelka Pens Bolton Extension

Staying On
By Mark Heys
August 30 2007

French international Nicolas Anelka has ended the uncertainty which has surrounded his future by agreeing on a new contract which will keep him at Bolton Wanderers until the end of the 2010-2011 season.

Anelka has been attracting admiring glances from many clubs in recent weeks and speculation was rife that the 28-year old would move on before Friday's transfer deadline.

He has been in leathal form for Bolton so far this season netting a goal in all but one of the four Premiership matches played so far and Wanderers manager Sammy Lee is delighted to see the former Arsenal and Manchester City forward put pen to paper.

"It is a fantastic boost for the club and our supporters that Nicolas has agreed to stay with us. We have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to get him to commit his long-term future to us." said Lee to Bolton's official website 

"Nicolas is one of the world's best strikers and I am immensely proud and happy that he has shown such commitment to the club.It's also a boost for the dressing room because a team never wants to lose anybody of Nicolas's stature and presence.

"This shows our ambition to be amongst the top clubs, not just in this country but across the world of football. Nicolas is one of the most sought after strikers in the world and I am delighted that he will continue to wear the Bolton Wanderers shirt." he added

Anelka too was happy to have extended his stay at the Reebok Stadium and has his sights set firmly on getting some silverware in the clubs trophy cabinet.

"I seem to have been linked with every club in the country of late, but my heart is with Bolton, I am very happy with my form, the Club and the manager so signing a new contract was not a difficult decision." he said

"Hopefully we will prosper together because I would not have remained at Bolton if I'd thought we could not win trophies."

Bolton have also revealed that full back Nicky Hunt has commited his future to the club for a similar spell but the news that Anelka is staying will be the best signing Sammy Lee could make.