ISL matches will be thrilling, says Mumbai City’s Anelka

Former France and Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka, who will be turning out for Mumbai City FC in the Indian Super League, on Monday said the mix of international stars and Indian talent will make for ‘thrilling matches’ in the football tournament starting from October 12. 

‘I’m pleased to join Mumbai City FC & very exciting in joining Indian Super League. Talented international players and 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,’  Anelka, a World Cupper, wrote on his twitter handle.  

Mumbai City FC’s negotiations with the 35-year-old had been in advanced stage in recent times. The former Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, Real Madrid and Chelsea striker had been without a club since his controversial exit from West Bromwich earlier this year. Reports in the British media had claimed that Anelka had signed a contract with Mumbai City FC till the Christmas eve. Anelka’s agent, last week, had said that the striker was set to join the Indian franchise. 

Anelka began his career at Paris Saint-Germain, but soon moved to Arsenal. Real Madrid signed him in 1999, before he returned to Paris Saint-Germain. He transferred to Chelsea from Bolton in 2008. 

Anelka has played 69 times for the national team and won his first international honours with France at Euro 2000, and won the Confederations Cup the following year. In June 2010, Anelka was omitted by the French Football Federation from the World Cup squad for comments directed against national coach Raymond Domenech.

Later in the day, Mumbai City FC announced the signing of Anelka for the inaugural season of ISL. Commenting on the acquisition, team owner Ranbir Kapoor said, ‘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. 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.’