Mumbai: Controversial French striker Nicolas Anelka has sought to relaunch his career by signing on Monday to play for Mumbai City in the nascent Indian Super League.
The 35-year-old much-travelled player has been without a club since he was fired by West Bromwich Albion in March for “gross misconduct” after the quenelle row, when he made an alleged anti-semitic gesture after scoring a goal.
“I’m pleased to join Mumbai City FC & very exciting in joining Indian Super League,” Anelka said on Twitter.
“Talented international players & top Indian talent will make matches thrilling affairs.
“I look forward to using my ability to do well for my team in the matches we will play.”
One of the most controversial players currently active in world football, Anelka has stirred up a succession of rows and disputes in a career that has seen him play for the likes of Arsenal, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Shanghai Shenhua in China.
He also won 69 French caps, scoring 14 goals before being thrown out of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa following a row with coach Raymond Domenech.
He was handed an 18-match ban for that bustup, which effectively ended his international career.
He will be playing in the Indian Super League, which kicks off with a 10-week tournament beginning in October and modelled along the lines of cricket’s Indian Premier League (IPL).
Eight city-based teams are due to take part in the tournament and several of the franchises have tie-ups with European football giants, such as La Liga champions Atletico Madrid, who are the co-owners of Atletico Kolkata.
Other fading superstars of football already signed up for the tournament include Italian Alessandro del Piero, French striker David Trezeguet and English goalkeeper David James.
Former England midfielder Peter Reid will manage the Mumbai franchise, co-owned by Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor, and they have also signed former Germany centre back Manuel Friedrich.
"We are delighted to announce the signing of Nicolas Anelka and thrilled that a player with a stunning pedigree such as his is part of our team," Kapoor added.
"His abilities and experience are known the world over and I am certain his presence will give us the firepower required upfront. We welcome him to the Mumbai City FC squad.”
