Nicolas Anelka has finally made it official, announcing through his official Twitter account, on Monday, that he will be joining the Indian Super League (ISL) side Mumbai FC.
I'm pleased to join Mumbai City FC & very exciting in joining Indian Super League.
— nicolas anelka (@anelkaofficiel) September 15, 2014
Anelka has been without a playing contract since he was released by English Premier League outfit West Bromwich Albion for making certain objectionable gestures while celebrating a goal. There were even rumours of him retiring from football.
However, the French striker seems to be back in the playing fold once again, signing for the new ISL side, Mumbai City FC. This move by the former Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City striker, comes after reports that top Italian side Fiorentina were interested in him.
There were even reports that Anelka had rejected a move to the Serie A, in order to play in the ISL. However, Anelka's agent Nadia Carminati denied these claims.
"Fiorentina never made contact with Anelka," she said earlier, in an interview with Sky Sports. "Anelka asked for 1.5 million Euros each season - a salary that is out of reach in Italy. We had contacts with Palermo, but we didn't go forward for this."
I look forward to using my ability to do well for my team in the matches we will play.
— nicolas anelka (@anelkaofficiel) September 15, 2014
Anelka is one of the most well-travelled forwards in the world, already having played in six different countries, and 11 different clubs. By joining Mumbai City, he would be playing in the seventh different country of his career, and 12th different club.
The 35-year-old Anelka had a stint at Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua, as a player-manager. However, he will not be taking up that role at Mumbai City FC – at least not this season.
Anelka has signed a contract, which runs until 25 December. The Frenchman also went on to say that an amalgamation of Indian and foreign talent in the ISL "will make matches thrilling affairs".
Talented international players & top Indian talent will make matches thrilling affairs. — nicolas anelka (@anelkaofficiel) September 15, 2014
The former French international is just an array of international ageing football stars that the ISL has been able to successfully sign to play and share their knowledge of the game with the players from within the country.
However, Anelka has had disciplinary issues in the past – both in club and international football. It will be interesting to see what kind of an impact he makes at Mumbai City FC, and whether his "impact" will be restricted to the pitch, or whether it will spread to the dressing room.
