‘NOT AS MARQUEE AS MCFC DESIRES’ – Nicolas Anelka is on the move once more as his season with Mumbai City FC draws to a close.

MUMBAI: The 36 year old player-manager Nicolas Anelka has admitted he won’t return to the Indian Super League (ISL) next season, at least in the capacity of a player-manager after his team ended a dismal run at qualifying for the knock-out stages of this year’s ISL as they failed to grab 3 crucial points against Kerala Blasters at their home turf last night. “I don’t think I will come back. You have to speak to the team management,” said the former Chelsea striker when asked if he would return to the ISL for the third season.
The Frenchman was utterly disappointed following his team’s 1-1 draw against Kerala Blasters on Thursday that deprived Mumbai City FC of a semi-final spot in the league. “The way we played, we don’t deserve to be in the semis. We can’t blame anybody. We lacked the desire to win,” a dejected Anelka was quoted as telling a post-match press conference.
The former Arsenal striker had high-flying hopes for boosting MCFC’s stature in the ISL during his 2-year stint with the club but unfortunately for him, this dream might take more than an elite Marquee player who’s being doled out huge sums of money every season from the club to escalate Mumbai City’s footballing repertoire. It only goes to goes to show the frailties of Soccer contracts and the kind of impact results can have in influencing a major player’s loyalty commitments to a club in the long run esp. when the current campaign ends with a blow.
Alas! Anelka’s personal career history holds testament to the fact that the solid forward doesn’t like staying in one place for too long.
As for Mumbai City FC, their fate hangs in the balance as they seek another Marquee prospect in their bid to outclass all competition on their road to ISL glory.
FC Goa appoints Manolo Marquez as new Head Coach
FC Goa confirm the appointment of Manolo Marquez as the Club’s new Head Coach. The Spaniard has put pen to paper on a multi-year contract that will see him take…
Odisha FC owner pushes for holistic growth of women’s football in India
NEW DELHI: If there was an award for game of the season, it is safe to say the Hero Indian Women’s League (IWL) quarterfinal between Odisha FC vs Gokulam Kerala FC…
Coach’s trust goes a long way in building a player’s career, says Akash Mishra
In the last nine matches the Indian senior men’s team have played, Akash Mishra has not been on the pitch for only 12 minutes. Such has been his rise over…
Mumbai City FC welcome back Juanma Cruz as goalkeeping coach
Mumbai, 1 June 2023: Mumbai City FC are delighted to announce the appointment of Juan Maria Cruz Arias as the Club’s goalkeeping coach. The Spaniard returns to the Islanders for his…
AIFF Secretary General presents first ticket of Hero Intercontinental Cup to Odisha Chief Minister
NEW DELHI: Federation Secretary General Dr Shaji Prabhakaran, on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, called on the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri Naveen Patnaik and presented him with the first ticket…
Bibiano Fernandes announces 23-member squad for AFC U-17 Asian Cup Thailand 2023
NEW DELHI: India U-17 Men’s National Team Head Coach Bibiano Fernandes, on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, announced a 23-member squad for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup Thailand 2023. The India U-17s…
Trust your training and discard pressure, Amarjit Singh Kiyam’s advice to Blue Colts
NEW DELHI: The India U-17 landed in Thailand two weeks ahead of their tournament opener against Vietnam (17 June) in the AFC U-17 Asian Cup, to acclimatise and best prepare for…
Manolo Marquez: I know we’ll field a good team and enjoy a good season
Manolo Marquez, speaking in his first press conference since being announced as FC Goa’s new head coach sounded upbeat about the upcoming 2023-24 season, as he takes over the reins…
Indian Super League / Transfer News
Local lad Rahul Bheke signs one-year contract extension with Mumbai City FC
Mumbai City FC defender Rahul Bheke has signed a one-year contract extension with the Club, extending his stay with the Islanders until the end of the 2023-24 season. The 32-year-old…
India U-17s could give hope to other youngsters in the country, says Padma Shri Bembem Devi
NEW DELHI: The Indian men’s U-17 team are currently in the news for all the right reasons. After securing qualification for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup, the boys, coached by Bibiano…
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
Elite Division / MDFA / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…
Sunday Boys to hold trials for MFA 1st Division
MFA 1st division side Sunday Boys FC will be conducting trials in the first week of November for the upcoming football season Sunday Boys Football Club was established in the…
Elite Division / MDFA / Trials
Millat FC to hold trials for MFA Elite Premier League
Millat FC – a club plying their trade in MFA Elite Division will be conducting open trials for their upcoming 2022-23 season Last season Millat had a decent run in…
Elite Division / MDFA / Trials
MFA Elite Division club KSA to conduct trials for the upcoming season
Karnataka Sporting Association (KSA) – a club plying their trade in MFA Elite Division will be conducting open trials for their upcoming 2022-23 season Last season KSA had an amazing…