Nicolas Anelka Contemplates Retirement, Open to New Ventures Beyond Playing Career
In a candid interview with France Football, Nicolas Anelka, 35, has hinted that his playing days may be coming to a close, revealing that he could retire at the end of December. Currently plying his trade in India with Mumbai City, Anelka admits to being at peace with himself and his career, acknowledging that his final matches could be just around the corner.
“I’m at peace with myself,” Anelka said. “It’s possible that I’ll be playing the last matches of my career. I haven’t made my decision yet. I want to devote myself to my family. I might discover a new adventure in January. And not necessarily as a player…” The forward’s words suggest that, while retirement is on the horizon, a new chapter could await him outside the realm of professional football.
Anelka, who has had a storied career playing for top clubs including Arsenal, Chelsea, and Real Madrid, has always been known for his unfiltered opinions, and his latest comments shed light on his complicated relationship with the French national team.
Reflecting on his time with Les Bleus, Anelka was unequivocal about his disappointment, stating, “I have a very mediocre assessment of it! I think that if I had had a coach who had had a great career as a player and who had played in big clubs like Deschamps or Blanc, things would have turned out differently. But hey, that’s life. The observation is sad but you have to accept it.”
Anelka’s controversial exit from the French team during the 2010 World Cup remains one of the most talked-about incidents in modern football history. His falling out with then-manager Raymond Domenech led to his exclusion from the squad, and the player’s disillusionment with the national setup has lingered ever since.
As Anelka reflects on his career, it’s clear that he’s ready to shift focus, with family being a priority as he contemplates the next stage of his life. Whether that involves a return to the game in a different capacity or venturing into entirely new territories remains to be seen.
For now, football fans can only wait and see whether the former French international will indeed hang up his boots, or whether January will usher in a new chapter in his storied career. One thing is certain: Anelka’s journey, both on and off the pitch, has been anything but conventional, and whatever comes next is bound to capture attention.
