MADRID Nicolas Anelka arrived back in Madrid on Thursday promising to concentrate on football and to make a success of his $35 million move from Arsenal. The French international striker found himself in trouble with his new club Real Madrid earlier this week as he was reported in English newspapers as being critical of his teammates and even threatening to quit the game.

He strongly denied making such comments on Thursday and reiterated his desire to succeed at the Spanish club. "I like football and I like the city of Madrid, Real Madrid and their fans," he said on his arrival at Madrid's Barajas Airport. "I don't understand why people are saying I want to give up football. "I've got nothing to say about the English press.

Whenever I do say something they change it to something bad. The same thing happened in England last year." Anelka, who has yet to score in the two league games he has played in Spain, added: "I'm only thinking about playing with Real Madrid. I just hope to score soon and to win the league." (Reuter)