7 Sep 2009French football fans should be more like English, says Anelka

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Chelsea star Nicolas Anelka has admitted that French football fans do not display the same level of passion and commitment as their English counterparts.

Speaking to French newspaper L'Equipe, the 30-year-old striker said that his national side would benefit from the kind of support enjoyed by Fabio Capello's England.

"They [the French public] can be difficult. It's a shame because we really need the fans," Anelka explained.

He suggested that the famous passion shown by English football fans at all levels of the game feeds through to support for the national team.

"In England the mentality is completely different [to France]. There are so many clubs with supporters, including clubs in the third tier," the former Manchester City and Bolton Wanderers player said.

Anelka began his career in France with Paris Saint-Germain before joining Arsenal in 1997.

The Versailles-born player was top scorer in the English Premier League last season with 19 goals.

Written by Tom Jenkins

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