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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Guardian sport

Nicolas Anelka tells Sam Allardyce: ‘We all make mistakes. We still love you’

Nicolas Anelka, surrounded by fans and security guards, arrives at Mumbai international airport after signing to play in the Indian Super League.
Nicolas Anelka, surrounded by fans and security guards, arrives at Mumbai international airport after signing to play in the Indian Super League. Photograph: Punit Paranjpe/AFP/Getty Images

Nicolas Anelka, who played under Sam Allardyce at Bolton, has given the former England manager his support following the national team coach’s departure on Tuesday.

Anelka, whose most recent football exploits were as player-coach for Mumbai City, posted his comments early on Tuesday morning following the overnight news that Allardyce had left his post.

He said: “So sorry for this story big sam! U were the right man for England and I still believe u are! Doesn’t matter what u did or what u said we all do mistakes … The most important is we still love u! Thanks for everything”.

Anelka, whose peripatetic career took him to 11 clubs, including two spells at Paris Saint-Germain, was sacked by West Bromwich in 2014 following his use of the allegedly antisemitic ‘quenelle’ gesture when celebrating a goal. His postings on social media during the case was cited by the club as one of the reasons for terminating his contract.

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