Nicolas Anelka to Mumbai City FC: Latest Transfer Details, Comments and Reaction

Nicolas Anelka had been without a club since his contract with West Bromwich Albion was terminated during the 2013-14 season, but on Monday, the French striker announced he would be joining Indian side Mumbai City FC, of the Indian Super League. 

He took to Twitter to make the news known:

"

I'm pleased to join Mumbai City FC & very exciting in joining Indian Super League.

— nicolas anelka (@anelkaofficiel) September 15, 2014"

Anelka's agent Alexander Garini spoke on the deal last Thursday, as per Sky Sports' Nadia Carminati:

"

Fiorentina never made contact with Anelka.

Anelka signed a deal with Mumbai FC and so there is no chance of a U-turn.

The contract will expire on December 25th, I have it, so there are no problems. We have never had contacts with Viola, so the news that said this is false.

Anelka asked for 1.5 million euros each season - a salary that is out of reach in Italy. We had contacts with Palermo, but we didn't go forward for this.

"

The 35-year-old is one of the most well-traveled footballers on the globe, having spent time with numerous clubs including Arsenal, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and Chelsea.

Anelka has a reputation for sulking and drawing attention to himself, and Get West London's Dan Levene felt the need to warn the people of Mumbai to get ready:

Once one of the most feared strikers in all of Europe, his trademark athletic skills have eroded with age as he scored just two goals in his final season at West Brom, per WhoScored.com.

The Indian Super League was founded just last year, and it has sought to quickly gain popularity by signing a number of veteran stars. The likes of Louis Saha, Alessandro Del Piero and David Trezeguet already signed deals with clubs around the league, which will only run for a four-month period.

Anelka confirmed the appeal of the upstart league had an impact on the decision:

"

Talented international players & top Indian talent will make matches thrilling affairs.

— nicolas anelka (@anelkaofficiel) September 15, 2014"

With the former French international, the Indian Super League added another big name that will help bring fans to the stadium in a country that is dominated by the sport of cricket.

How big Anelka's impact on the pitch will be remains to be seen, as he hasn't played competitive football in over six months. But as far as star power goes, Mumbai City FC could have done far worse than Le Sulk.