ISL: Nicolas Anelka to be Mumbai City FC's marquee player-cum-manager

Mumbai City FC announced today that French striker Nicolas Anelka will play be the team’s player-manager for the second season of the Indian Super League. Anelka has been part of the coaching staff of a club during his time with Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua in 2012 — when the club finished 9th in the Chinese Super League. Anelka was named the ISL’s fifth best player at the end of the inaugural season, where he scored twice with two assists. [caption id=“attachment_1774661” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Nicolas Anelka trains with Mumbai City FC during ISL 2014. AFP[/caption] Mumbai City finished second from bottom last year and have retained Indian players Subrata Paul, Subhash Singam Singh and Lalrindika Ralte from the first season — when Peter Reid was in charge of the side. Commenting on new development, team owner Ranbir Kapoor said, “I’m thrilled to have Nicolas as our marquee player-cum-manager. Last year, he impressed us all with his tactical knowledge and excellent motivational skills. It’s a role both parties have been discussing for a couple of months and it’s been a great start. We will provide Nicolas all the support required to try and win the league this year.” Ready to take on the dual responsibility, Nicolas Anelka said, “I would like to say thank you to the Mumbai City FC staff for giving me the opportunity to coach the club. We are all very excited to start this new season. I’m personally very eager to take on this new role for the club and put a strong competitive team on the pitch.” Anelka has played 69 times for France and has nearly 500 club appearances at the top level and was one of the first stars from the inagaugural season to confirm his return for ISL 2015. The Euro 2000 winner has played for top clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Liverpool and Juventus.