Nicolas Anelka, known for his football prowess, has also been a controversial figure throughout his career. Here is a flashback to some of the noteworthy incidents involving Anelka:
- At 17, he left PSG for Arsenal, feeling he deserved to play for a bigger European club.
- In 1999, he moved to Real Madrid for a record transfer fee of 40 million euros. He later refused to train for three days, demanding the team adapt to his style, resulting in a suspension and a fine.
- After Real Madrid, he returned to PSG but made headlines for slapping a journalist in 2001.
- Anelka was not part of the 1998 World Cup-winning French team. In 2003, he refused a late call-up to the national team unless the coach apologized and “kneeled before him.”
- During the 2010 World Cup, he insulted the coach in the locker room, leading to exclusion from the group and an 18-match suspension.
- Anelka signed a lucrative contract with Shanghai Shenhua in 2012, criticizing Western football and announcing the death of it.
- The recent quenelle controversy in 2013, where Anelka’s gesture was considered by some as an anti-Semitic salute.
Throughout his career, Anelka has been involved in various clashes, controversies, and outspoken statements.
