This story is from May 22, 2015

ISL: Mumbai City repose faith in Anelka

Mumbai City FC have resolved their differences with Nicolas Anelka and are set to have him as their marquee player for the second season of the Indian Super League (ISL).
ISL: Mumbai City repose faith in Anelka
PANAJI: Mumbai City FC have resolved their differences with Nicolas Anelka and are set to have him as their marquee player for the second season of the Indian Super League (ISL).
Anelka, 35, missed three games at the start of ISL last year due to his quenelle gesture while playing for West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League. Once he served out his suspension, he featured for Mumbai City FC, and even though he scored twice and had two assists, he could not guide Mumbai to the semifinals.
Mumbai City surprised many when they released Anelka -- who was officially the league’s fifth best player -- at the end of the season. But their differences now appear to have been resolved as Mumbai City have lured him back to the fold.
According to sources, the former France international will be the marquee signing for the Mumbai club, although it could not be confirmed if the same deal of approximately Rs 5 crore has been agreed upon.
Arsenal legend Fredrik Ljungberg was the marquee player for Mumbai City last season but injuries meant he made just four appearances for the club.
“We are evaluating several options, including Anelka. We will make an announcement within the next two weeks,” said Indranil Blah, CEO, Mumbai City FC.
The Mumbai franchise initially wanted Esteban Cambiasso as their marquee player but hopes of signing the Argentinean midfielder evaporated after he helped Leicester City avoid relegation and is now keen to extend his one-year deal with the Foxes.

Cambiasso, who turns 35 in August, was named Leicester City’s Player Of The Year after playing an integral role in their great escape.
Mumbai City FC had also explored the possibility of signing Diego Forlan but the Uruguayan striker has a steep asking price of Rs 7.8 crore.
Anelka, 35, is among the more prolific strikers to play in India. He has played for some of the most illustrious clubs in Europe, including PSG, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Juventus, but since the ISL came to a close in December last year, he has not played any competitive match.
The French striker trained with NA Hussein Dey -- a club based in the Algerian capital Algiers - early this year but the signing could not be completed as Algerian rules state that foreign players have to be under 27 and currently play for their country.
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