Former Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Arsenal striker Nicolas Anelka has effectively ended his playing career after joining Algerian outfit Nasr Athletic De Hussein-Dey as an athletic director.
The striker recently ended his time with Indian Super League outfit Mumbai FC. Since this was only a short-term contract, Anelka was now free to join any other club across the world. The French international was even linked with a move to West Ham since the ban imposed over his anti-Semitic gesture had been completed. However, the interest from Premier League outfits did not prove to be serious and the former French international was still searching for a club.
He was recently linked with a move toNasr Athletic De Hussein-Dey, but that was blocked by the Algerian football Federation since the country does not allow foreign players above 28 years of age. This rule has been imposed in order to ensure that the development of local players is not stifled.Anelka has confirmed that such a rule exists and it prevents him from playing for the Algerian outfit. Instead, he has joined the club in the form of an athletic director which means that his playing days are effectively over. The striker won several accolades like the Premier League and the Champions League in his playing days.
"I came to Algeria at the invitation of the president of team, to visit the club's infrastructure and discuss the likely involvement with NAHD. I was impressed by the people who own the club and I was keen on the idea of playing in Algeria, but the regulations do not allow.Thus I received another proposal from the president who suggested I hold the position of athletic director. An application that I have not denied and I'm here to improve the team level and make it better," said Anelka.