Anelka Silent on Atletico Mineiro Move During Religious Visit to Kuwait
2 May 2025 — Speculation continues to swirl around Nicolas Anelka’s potential move to Brazilian side Atlético Mineiro, but the former French international has declined to comment, citing the nature of his current visit to Kuwait.
Anelka, who has been in Kuwait since Monday at the invitation of the country’s Ministry of Religious Affairs, is attending the fourth session of a Muslim youth conference. When approached by reporters seeking clarification on his club future, the former West Bromwich Albion striker made it clear that football was not on the agenda.
“I’m on a religious visit to Kuwait and I’m not going to talk about football,” Anelka said firmly during a press interaction.
A convert to Islam, Anelka took the opportunity to criticise the portrayal of the religion in Western media, arguing that it is often misrepresented. “There is a distorted image of Islam in the West,” he stated, reflecting on what he sees as widespread misconceptions.
His silence on football matters has done little to quell uncertainty over his reported agreement with Atlético Mineiro. The club’s president made a surprise announcement in the early hours of 6 April, claiming Anelka had signed for the Belo Horizonte-based team. However, nearly a month later, the striker has yet to arrive in Brazil, and the club has provided no further clarity.
Anelka’s absence has fuelled confusion among fans and media alike, particularly as no official unveiling or confirmation from the player has followed the president’s declaration.
As of Tuesday, it remains unclear whether Anelka is still in Kuwait or has already departed the Gulf state, leaving both his immediate whereabouts and footballing future uncertain.
Known for a career that has spanned elite clubs across Europe—including Arsenal, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea—Anelka is no stranger to dramatic twists and surprise moves. His potential arrival in Brazil was seen as another unexpected chapter in a career marked by controversy and unpredictability.
Atlético Mineiro, one of Brazil’s most storied clubs, currently await word from Anelka or his representatives as speculation over his intentions continues. The player himself, however, appears determined to keep his focus elsewhere for now.
Whether his visit to Kuwait will eventually be followed by a move to South America remains to be seen. For now, Anelka’s silence speaks volumes.
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