Former Chelsea FC striker Nicolas Anelka has been named player-manager of Indian Super League club Mumbai City, the club confirmed on Friday.
The 36-year-old made seven appearance and scored two goals for Mumbai FC in the inaugural edition of the eight-team India Super League (ISL) last year has earlier taken up a similar dual role in 2012 for Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua.
a I would like to say thank you to the Mumbai City FC staff for giving me the opportunity to coach the club,a Anelka, who has played for a host of English Premier League clubs including Chelsea FC, Manchester City, Arsenal FC and Liverpool FC, said in a statement.
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a We are all very excited to start this new season. Ia m personally very eager to take on this new role for the club and put a strong competitive team on the pitch,a added the Frenchman who also played for giants Real Madrid.
Owned by, among others, Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor, Mumbai FC had finished seventh last year in the inaugural edition of the Indian Super League (ISL).
a Ia m thrilled to have Nicolas as our marquee player-cum-manager,a Kapoor said. a Last year, he impressed us all with his tactical knowledge and excellent motivational skills. Ita s a role both parties have been discussing for a couple of months and ita s been a great start. We will provide Nicolas all the support required to try and win the league this year.a
We are proud to anounce our Marquee Player/Manager, Nicolas Anelka. #WelcomeAnelka pic.twitter.com/JffHbtcex6
a Mumbai City FC (@MumbaiCityFC) July 3, 2015
Brazil great Zico coaches the Goa franchise of the ISL, while compatriot and former Real Madrid defender Roberto Carlos is expected to take charge of the Delhi Dynamos team for the second season which starts on 3 October with former Atletico Madrid man Simao Sabrosa unveiled as new signing for North East United FC.