Anelka leaves media in limbo during PSG event in Dubai

Top Stories

Anelka leaves media in limbo during PSG event in Dubai
Nicolas Anelka

Dubai - Former France international refuses to speak to media

By Clareto Monsorate

  • Follow us on
  • google-news
  • whatsapp
  • telegram

Published: Thu 24 Nov 2016, 6:15 PM

Last updated: Thu 24 Nov 2016, 8:43 PM

The announcement of the recent launch of the Paris Saint Germain Academy in Dubai and the simultaneous opening of the PSG Fan Club was held at the Nassima Royal Hotel on Wednesday night. However, the event turned out to be a big disappointment for the media who were anxiously looking forward to getting a few soundbytes from former France international Nicolas Anelka.
The 37-year-old forward had started his career with PSG at the age of 16, so it was only apt to have him to boost the event. But it seems he has done more damage to the organisers, than good, by categorically refusing to talk to the media, this after the press was invited for the announcement.
Anelka perched himself in one corner of the La Mome room even as the unveiling of the PSG Fan Club jersey was taking place much to the amazement of the organisers.
Anelka has a chequered career and has been in the spotlight on numerous occasions. It is a known fact that controversy and Anelka go hand in hand. His infamous scathing outburst against France coach Raymond Domenech saw him being booted out of the 2010 World Cup.
And, only a year ago the former Arsenal, Real Madrid and Chelsea striker was shown the door by Mumbai City during their participation in the Indian Super League (ISL). Anelka had joined Mumbai as a player in 2014 and took over the coaching role in 2015 but it didn't prove a particularly pleasant experience for him with local media claiming he had altercations with players, such as the India captain, Sunil Chhetri, and coaching staff.
The Frenchman, who had two spells with Paris Saint-Germain, had recently said he was ambiguous about his future. "As a player maybe, I don't know, I will have to rest and think what I need to do for the future."
Thursday's incident won't do any good to Anelka's aspiration in this age of social media and he will have to guard his future action if he is really interested in getting back into the frame of things.
clareto@khaleejtimes.com


More news from