N. Anelka unexpectedly invited to the national team © EuroFootball.com

The Istanbul striker unexpectedly received an invitation to the French national team for friendly matches with Costa Rica and Germany.

The French "ugly duckling" had previously stated that he "would not represent the French national team as long as Raymond Domenech was in charge", but on Thursday he made it onto the list of players invited by the coach.

Nicolas Anelka has not represented the French national team since November 2002, when he refused to join the team after being invited by then coach Jacques Santini. Although the striker apologized to the national team coach later that year, he was not forgiven and was not called up to help during the 2004 European Championship.

"I don't think I will play for the French national team as long as Domenech is in charge," the Frenchman said in April. "Even if a dozen forwards were injured, he still wouldn't invite me."

The former PSG and Arsenal striker moved to Fenerbahce from Man City in January of this year.

The scandalous striker has played 28 matches for the French national team, scoring six goals. However, this time it may be difficult for the Frenchman to get onto the field, as the team includes forwards such as Thierry Henry, David Trezeguet, and Djibril Cisse.

Zinedine Zidane of Real Madrid, who is recovering from injury, is not on the list announced by R. Domenech on Thursday, while goalkeeper Fabien Barthez returned to the national team after six months of disqualification for spitting at a referee during a friendly club match.