Nicolas Anelka has already decided which team he will join when he leaves Chelsea, although the much-travelled striker declined to reveal the name of his ninth club. The 32-year-old Anelka recently had a transfer request accepted and can leave when the transfer window reopens next month.
"I've known for a little while where I'll be on January 2," Anelka said on his personal website, without naming the club. Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua is reportedly among the teams keen on signing the striker.
Anelka has scored only one goal this season under new coach Andre Villas-Boas. He has been marginalized at the London club following the signing last season of Spain striker Fernando Torres and the development of young England forward Daniel Sturridge. "(Chelsea) is going through a difficult time, (it) has decided to put its faith in the players of the future," Anelka said. "Seeing as I am a good professional, I accept this decision."
Anelka has played for eight clubs in his career, but the former France striker has made the most appearances for Chelsea since joining from Bolton in January 2008. He was the Premier League's top scorer with 19 goals the following season, and was a regular starter under Carlo Ancelotti in the two seasons before Villas-Boas joined.