Ex-Arsenal, Chelsea and Real Madrid forward Anelka hit back after Domenech had urged teenage Monaco star Kylian Mbappe not to follow his example.

When asked about the potential of 18-year-old Mbappe, who has been linked with some of Europe's biggest clubs after a dazzling season, Domenech was scathing about Anelka.

He told L'Equipe: "I remember Ronaldo at the Olympics in 1996, and Mbappe is of this level -- a world-class player.

"It is up to him to manage this well. He has the choice between being Ronaldo or Anelka."

But an angry Anelka hit back, telling JJD that if Mbappe followed his example he would be "among the best attackers, with a strong character."

He added: "If he follows Ronaldo, Il Fenomeno, my model in football, he will be among the legends and will have marked the history of his sport. That is what I wish him.

"He can also follow Raymond Domenech's career -- that of a small player of the French championship who has become a coach without winning any trophies and then unemployed since 2010. It is for Mbappe to choose."