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It's official! Nicolas Anelka joins Mumbai FC

Mercurial superstar from France to play his trade in ISL after playing for clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Manchester City, PSG etc

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He may be called a traveller. May be called even a controversial figure. But one thing is for sure — you cannot doubt his footballing skills. Former Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti once described him as a quick player with good aerial ability, technique, shooting, and movement off the ball. He's played for as many as 13 clubs all over the world. He's played in England, France, Spain, China, Turkey and now, Nicolas Anelka is all set to ply his trade in India.

After a month of negotiations and speculation, Mumbai City FC, the Mumbai franchise of the Indian Super League (ISL) announced on Monday that they have signed Anelka.

The 35-year-old has been without a club since leaving West Brom following his ban for using the quenelle gesture.

Anelka couldn't control his excitement and revealed the signing on Twitter on Monday. "I'm pleased to join Mumbai City FC & very exciting in joining Indian Super League," Anelka tweeted, adding that "talented international players & top Indian talent will make matches thrilling affairs." The club and the league reacted quickly to Anelka's tweet, with the ISL posting news on its Facebook and Twitter feeds "OFFICIAL: BIG news! Mumbai City FC have signed Nicolas Anelka!"

In a statement, Bollywood heartthrob and 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 fire power required upfront."

The striker, who has played for a host of English Premier League clubs including Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool, will join compatriots David Trezeguet and Robert Pires in the league, that will run from October 12 to December 20.

Anelka, capped 69 times by France, began his career with PSG before joining Arsenal as a youngster, going on to play for Real Madrid, Manchester City, Fenerbahce, Bolton, Chelsea, Shanghai Shenhua, Juventus and West Brom.

Former England midfielder Peter Reid will manage the Mumbai franchise which also includes former Germany centre back Manuel Friedrich.

Arunava Chaudhuri, COO of the Mumbai franchise refused to let out on the details of the signing, but said, "It's great for fans in the city. Obviously when his (Anelka) name cropped up, we were very excited. It's great to finally sign him."

Anelka landed in trouble for making a 'quenelle' salute, which is associated with anti-Semitism, when he scored for West Bromwich Albion in a 3-3 draw at West Ham United last December. The gesture involves pointing one straightened arm downward while touching the shoulder with the opposite hand. It was popularised by French comedian Dieudonne M'Bala M'Bala, who has been convicted for inciting racial hatred and anti-Semitism.

Anelka denied he was anti-Semitic but was banned for five matches by the Premier League and later sacked by West Brom for what they described as gross misconduct.

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