Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka is hoping to get one over on former Blues boss Avram Grant by securing an historic Premier League and FA Cup double.
Portsmouth manager Grant was in charge at Stamford Bridge for a brief period two seasons ago, something Anelka has not forgotten in a hurry.
The French marksman has written about his time playing under the 55-year-old Isreali coach in his new book, which is set to be published on Sunday, with the former Bolton Wanderers man openly criticising Grant's tenure.
"I set great store by emotions and [Avram] Grant did not show great confidence in me,” writes Anelka.
"In the 2008 Champions League final against Manchester United, Grant threw me on as a sub [substitute] without giving me any warning.
"In the end I messed up the very last penalty in the shootout, which Edwin van der Sar pushed away. It is sad to say but I knew I was going to miss my kick."
Anelka also claims that Grant had a grudge against him after the striker was signed from Bolton in the January transfer window for £15 million, supposedly against his wishes.
"Grant used to look down on me,” he continues.
"It was as though he felt I should be grateful and not ask for anything. The pretext for this was I had been brought in from Bolton [Wanderers]."
Anelka could start alongside Premier League Golden Boot winner Didier Drogba in Saturday's FA Cup final, as Chelsea attempt to win the double for the first time in their history. |
