Mumbai City FC retain Nicloas Anelka as 'marquee player' for ISL's second season

Mumbai City FC have resigned Nicolas Anelka as their marquee player for the second season of the Indian Super League that will kick off in October this year.

The much-traveled French striker now becomes one of the first official big-name signings to be confirmed by the league for the 2015 season. According to reports, FC Goa has lured in Brazil’s World Cup winning captain Lucio to be part of their roster. Also, as per as yet unconfirmed reports, Chennaiyin FC will retain the services of Brazilian star and Golden-boot winner, Elano.

Anelka, who has made nearly 500 club appearances at the top level, has turned out for the who’s-who of European football - Arsenal, Real Madrid, Paris Saint Germain, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Fenerbahce. He was also part of the successful French side of the early 2000’s, playing a role in their Euro 2000 and 2001 Confederation Cup victories.

“I am really happy to have Nicolas back for Mumbai City FC," owner Ranbir Kapoor said in a statement. “He played really well for us last year, and while the plan this year is to build a smart and strong squad, it is important to retain some continuity from last season, and Nicolas plays a major role in that plan.”

“I am really excited to have Nicolas back, and I am sure, the fans will be as well.”

Anelka missed the first three games of last season after serving a ban from his time at English club West Bromwich Albion for a gesture deemed to be anti-semitic. He will be hoping to play a bigger role this season after ending last season with two goals, one of them a brilliant free-kick against Kerala at D.Y. Patil stadium.

“I am glad to be back in Mumbai City FC again,” Anelka said in the same statement. “I really enjoyed my time there last season and I can’t wait to see Mumbai, India and all you fans again. See you very soon. Let’s football!”

Mumbai City FC missed out on the playoffs last year with a seventh placed finish, scoring just 12 goals in their 14 games. The club would be hoping for a better return from their marquee player this year in a push to make it to the playoffs.

The fans would be hoping Anelka is the first of the many bona-fide stars who would grace the league the second time around.