However, Anelka says that such a moniker is unfounded and his team-mates would never accuse him of being moody.

“I never said or did something wrong in my career so what people say is wrong,” said the France striker.

“People say that because they don’t know me and if you ask a player I played with at Arsenal, Liverpool, Man City and Bolton, they won’t say anything wrong about me. Nothing has changed but I am not younger any more.

“Sometimes you are happy when you play football and sometimes you are not happy. Maybe some people saw me when I was not happy but no, I don’t think it is fair.”

The French striker now believes he has the maturity to handle being at a big club and insists he never gave up hope of playing Champions League football again.

He added: “I know everything about a big club. Before it was a little bit difficult because I was young, but now because a lot of things have happened in my life, I can handle it.

“I never gave up. I tried my best when I was on the pitch. I did it for City and for Bolton, Liverpool as well, it was difficult but I never gave up. Now I am here.”

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger claims Anelka wanted to return to the club last summer and that his heart ’belongs’ with the north London club.

But Anelka insists his heart is now with Chelsea even though he enjoyed his time at Arsenal.

Anelka maintained: “I like Arsenal, I had a great time in Arsenal. I was also in Bolton and when I had the chance to sign for Chelsea, it was a great opportunity for me. I never look behind at what has happened in the past.

“Of course I was happy at Arsenal but today I am looking forward and happy to be at Chelsea.

“Arsenal was in the past and it is was good, but it is in the past. It is a good team and a big club. I am happy to be here now. We are still in the race to win everything with Chelsea and I will try to do it.

“We still have a lot of games and we will see in the end if we win something. I am 100% for Chelsea.

“It is a big club with big players and if the manager gives me the chance to play, I will play and try to do my best. If I have to start on the bench, I will do the same. I knew this before I signed. I am just happy to be here.”

Anelka cannot wait to team up with Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba who is currently away on international duty at the African Nations Cup.

Anelka added: “It is not very difficult to play with him. He can do everything and he is clever and can play with his back to the goal. I like this kind of striker. I can turn around him and give him some good balls to score.”