Nicolas Anelka has been recalled to the France squad for their friendly internationals against Costa Rica and Germany.
The bad boy of French football, who has not played for France since turning down a call-up from former national coach Jacques Santini in Novemeber 2002, had said he would not return to international duty under coach Raymond Domenech. However, he has been included in the 23-man squad announced by Domenech.
“I don’t think I’m going to play for ‘Les Bleus’ again as long as Domenech is in charge,” Anelka said in April. “Even when there are dozens of guys injured, Domenech doesn’t pick me.”
Anelka has won 28 caps for France, scoring six goals.
Marseille goalkeeper Fabien Barthez returns after being suspended for six months for spitting at the referee during a club friendly, although there is no place for Zinedine Azidane who has been suffering from a groin injury.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Fabien Barthez (Marseille), Gregory Coupet (Lyon), Mickael Landreau (Nantes)
Defenders: Eric Abidal (Lyon), Jean-Alain Boumsong (Newcastle), William Gallas (Chelsea), Gael Givet (Monaco), Franck Jurietti (Bordeaux), Anthony Reveillere (Lyon), Willy Sagnol (Bayern Munich), Lilian Thuram (Juventus)
Midfielders: Alou Diarra (Lens), Vikash Dhorasoo (Paris St Germain), Claude Makelele (Chelsea), Florent Malouda (Lyon), Jerome Rothen (Paris St Germain), Patrick Vieira (Juventus)
Strikers: Nicolas Anelka (Fenerbahce) , Djibril Cisse (Liverpool), Thierry Henry (Arsenal), Sidney Govou (Lyon), David Trezeguet (Juventus), Sylvain Wiltord (Lyon)
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