Atlético Mineiro Confirm Nicolas Anelka Won’t Join Amid Fan Relief
Atlético Mineiro have officially confirmed that Nicolas Anelka will not be signing with the Brazilian club, a decision that has been largely welcomed by the club’s supporters.
The French striker, who has been a free agent since leaving West Bromwich Albion, was initially linked with a move to the Brazilian side. However, the club announced yesterday that they would not be pursuing the deal further, a move that has been met with widespread approval from the “Galo” faithful.
A survey conducted by Lance! on Wednesday revealed that 70% of respondents were pleased with the club’s decision to distance themselves from Anelka. Many supporters felt that the former Chelsea and Arsenal forward did not align with the club’s values, with some questioning whether his presence would have disrupted the squad’s harmony.
In addition to the announcement, Atlético Mineiro stated that they may file a complaint against Anelka’s agent, Christian Casini, for the role he played in the failed negotiations. The club has not disclosed the exact nature of the complaint but indicated that they were dissatisfied with the handling of the deal.
Anelka, who has had a storied career in European football, has faced various controversies throughout his career, and the proposed move to Atlético Mineiro had sparked debate among fans and pundits alike. With the club now focusing on other potential signings, it seems the Anelka chapter is officially closed for the Brazilian side.