Worthington, former chief scout at Bolton Wanderers, says the French striker’s reputation almost killed the deal before it started.
Anelka had already played for Arsenal FC, Liverpool FC and Manchester City FC, with critics labelling him moody and difficult. By the time he was at Fenerbahce, many in England wanted nothing to do with him.
“A lot of people didn’t want him,” Worthington told Football Presse.
“Managers were saying don’t take him, he won’t change.”
But Worthington had different information. He was told Anelka had matured, found stability in his personal life and was desperate to return to England.
He flew out quietly to watch him in Turkey.
“His attitude was spot on. Totally different to what people said.”
Bolton signed him for around £7 million in 2006.
The result?
“He scored 21 goals for us. He was fantastic.”
Within a year, Bolton sold him to Chelsea FC for around £15 million.
From risk to reward.
And proof, says Worthington, that sometimes you have to trust your own eyes.