Former France and Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka, who will be turning out for Mumbai City FC in the Indian Super league, today 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 & top Indian talent will make matches thrilling affairs,” Anelka, a World Cupper, wrote on his twitter handle.
“I look forward to using my ability to do well for my team in the matches we will play,” he added.
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 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.”
Zico arrives in Goa
Panaji: legendary Brazilian footballer Zico arrived here on Monday to take charge of Football Club Goa as head coach for the high-profile Indian Super league which begins of October 12.
The 61-year-old Arthur Antunes Coimbra, nicknamed ‘White Pele’, reached Goa along with former Dempo midfielder Roberto Mendis Silva and received at the airport by former All India Football Federation General Secretary Alberto Colaco.
Zico mesmerized the world of football in the early 1970s and late 80s, scoring 48 goals in 71 international appearances for Brazil. He is the fourth highest goal scorer for his national team.
Zico had visited the country way back in 2004 as the coach of Japanese national team which played against India in Kolkata. He is the biggest catch of the ISl.
With the Brazillian tactician having arrived today, the FC Goa players are expected to start training later this week after detailed discussions with the owners and coaching staff.
Zico will be assisted by Dempo Sports Club head coach, Australian Arthur Papas.
Six foreign players — Jan Seda, Miroslav Slepicka, Bruno Pinheiro, Miguel Herlein, Edgar Marcelino and Gregory Arnolin — arrived on Sunday.
French defender Youness Bengeiloun will join the squad once he gets all the clearances.