Clarke confirms Anelka quit warning

Nicolas Anelka told West Brom manager Steve Clarke that he wanted to quit football following the sudden death of his agent, but the Scot hopes the striker will return to the club once he has “got his head clear”.

On learning that his agent Eric Manasse had died over the weekend, Anelka left training on Thursday following conversations with Albion’s technical director Richard Garlick and Clarke, but the manager is adamant there was no hostility on any side.