Nicolas Anelka to be player-cum-manager for Mumbai City FC in ISL

Eager to take on this new role for the club and put a strong competitive team on the pitch, said Anelka

Mumbai City FC on Friday announced Frenchman Nicolas Anelka will be their marquee player and manager for the second edition of Indian Super League (ISL) scheduled to start from October.

"Mumbai City FC today announced prolific French striker Nicolas Anelka accepting the dual role of marquee player-cum-manager for the Indian Super League (ISL) Season 2. His world class ability and experience gained during the inaugural season make him an ideal candidate for this job," said a Mumbai City FC release.

The 36-year-old's first stint in a dual role of marquee player-cum-manager was in 2012 with Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua.

"The managing experience he brings will provide the energy and the enthusiasm to encourage the team to perform well under his guidance," the release also stated.

The striker scored twice alongwith two assists in the first edition of ISL.

Ready to take on the dual responsibility, Nicolas Anelka said: "I would like to say thank you to the Mumbai City FC staff for giving me the opportunity to coach the club. We are all very excited to start this new season. I'm personally very eager to take on this new role for the club and put a strong competitive team on the pitch."

The Frenchman has had an illustrious career in which he has played 68 international matches for his country and has turned up for nearly 500 club appearances at the top level.

Anelka has honed his skills with top clubs including Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Liverpool and Juventus among others.