Nicolas Anelka is set to spend a second spell with Indian Super League (ISL) side Mumbai City FC.
The former Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City striker played for Mumbai in last year’s inaugural ISL and scored two goals in seven appearances for the Maharashtra side.
The 36-year-old had to wait to make his debut in India after being made to serve the remainder of an FA ban after performing the quenelle gesture when he scored for West Brom earlier in 2014.
Anleka, who counts Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Juventus among his former clubs, saw a move to Algerian side Nasr Athletique d’Hussein-Dey (NAHD) blocked by the county’s football federation earlier this year due to his age.
Last year, Anelka joined the likes of Luis Garcia, David Trezeguet and Elano in India as the country launched its foray into the international football arena ahead of hosting the FIFA U17 World Cup in 2017.
Indranil Blah, the CEO of Mumbai City FC: “We are evaluating several options, including Anelka. We will make an announcement within the next two weeks.”
Marco Materazzi was player-manager of the MS Dhoni co-owned Chennaiyin franchise, and earlier this month the World Cup winner committed himself to the 2015 edition of the eight-team league.
“I am very happy to continue with Chennaiyin FC for another season,” Materazzi said.
“Despite starting our preparations late last season we still managed to be one of the best performing franchises of the Hero ISL. It was only possible thanks to the support I got from the owners, management, staff, players and the fans of Chennaiyin FC.
“I am already looking forward to the second season and we are working very hard to build a strong squad. All throughout my playing career I have always aimed to be first so of course the goal for the second season will be to become champions.”
