Anelka retires from international scene

Anelka, who won the last of his 28 caps for France in April, told the Daily newspapers on Saturday that he has decided never to play for his country again.

"For me the French team belongs in the past," Anelka is reported as saying in several newspapers.

"I missed out on the World Cup twice and it did not kill me."

"Nothing was decided in a rush. My decision had been well thought through," he said.

"It was clear for me that if I was called up I would not go. I did not want to create mayhem. I just wanted the fans to understand me and I think they did.

If this decision by City's leading scorer proves to be true then Anelka finishes his international career with a record of having played for France just six times.