LESS THAN 48 hours after missing the final penalty in Moscow, Chelsea's Nicolas Anelka made public his frustration at not being given a pivotal role in the team and claimed he had not been allowed to warm up properly before going on as a sub at the Luzhniki Stadium.

The 29-year-old has made 24 appearances for the club but only 14 have been from the start, with the majority in a wide role. Anelka has also been on the bench for many of the club's important matches this season, including the Champions League final. He appeared in the 99th minute.

"At no point did I think I was going to come on," he told French newspaper l'Equipe. "I was on the bench and suddenly I am asked to play, not even a minute after I was sent out to warm up. I don't know if that has ever happened in a Champions League final, that a player has gone on to the pitch without having warmed up.

"I was then asked to take one of the first five [penalty] kicks but I said: 'That is out of the question; I have come on as a right back'. So I had to go in seventh, but van der Sar pushed away my shot. All the better for him; that is the game."

Meanwhile, the agent of Real Madrid forward Robinho claims Chelsea are prepared to offer around £28million (€35m) to take the Brazilian to Stamford Bridge.

Wagner Ribeir said he held a meeting with Chelsea managing director Peter Kenyon. Robinho also confirmed there was firm interest from Chelsea. Guardian Service