1:06pm Friday 11th January 2008
By Gordon Sharrock
Wanderers chairman Phil Gartside has revealed more details about Nicola Anelka's £15m move to Chelsea.
He said: "It became obvious that Anelka wanted to leave and sign for Chelsea, so we had to act in the best interests of Bolton Wanderers Football Club and that is what we have done.
"The improved offer met our valuation of the player and we have decided to accept it.
"The club had made it clear that we wanted to keep him, nobody at Bolton Wanderers wanted Nicolas Anelka to go anywhere, and I mean nobody, but when a player wants to leave that is it, they no longer have the best interest of the club at heart and we had to recognise that and act accordingly.
"The deal represents an excellent deal in both football and business terms.
"We will continue with our on-going transfer strategy and we will be working hard to bring our targets into the club and further strengthen the squad.
"It has been a pleasure to have Nicolas Anelka playing for Bolton Wanderers. He is a very special player and I wish him well for the rest of his career."
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