Anelka just happy to contribute March 28 2008
Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka insists he is happy to sacrifice his place in the starting line-up for the good of the team.
Anelka found himself on the bench against Arsenal last Sunday as two goals from Didier Drogba gave Avram Grant's side a crucial victory over their title rivals.
But the France international made an immediate impact when he was introduced from the bench with the Blues trailing to Bacary Sagna's goal.
It was the first time he had partnered Drogba in a 4-4-2 formation since arriving at Stamford Bridge in a £15million move from Bolton in the January transfer window.
But Anelka, who was fouled by David James for the penalty that enabled Les Bleus to beat England on Wednesday night, could well find himself back among the substitutes against Middlesbrough on Sunday.
Yet the 29-year-old insists he is only too happy to help the team out in whatever role he is given.
"Sometimes you play and sometimes you don't," said Anelka. "You have to accept it as a group and realise that the most important thing is that the team wins something.
"There are so many games in a season at Chelsea and everyone will have the chance to contribute.
"I don't think about being a starter - of course I want to play - but I want to help the team win things in the first place, that is the main thing I think about.
"When you play at Chelsea the most important thing is to win games as a team. Now we are in the final moments of the season and we have to win, so if I can do anything to help the team do that, I will do it."
Meanwhile, veteran midfielder Claude Makelele looks set to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge.
The 35-year-old Frenchman has another year left on his contract at the club but could be offered a new deal.
French daily L'Equipe claims Makelele will be handed a contract until 2010 with a further option until 2011, with the player more than happy at Chelsea and has refused to talk with any other clubs.