West Brom Move To Deny Nicolas Anelka Retirement Rumours

Posted by

Anelka given compassionate leave by West Brom.

West Brom have made an official statement to deny rumours of Nicolas Anelka retiring from football, saying on their official site that he has been temporarily excused on compassionate grounds.

News broke earlier this afternoon of Anelka storming out of West Brom training and deciding to retire after a bust-up on the training ground, though it appears now that the incident may be related to the death of his agent.

The Frenchman has had a long and distinguished career in the Premier League, first breaking through as a youngster at Arsenal and winning his first title with the Gunners in the 1997/98 season, as well as helping seal the double with a goal in the FA Cup final.

He has since had a rather nomadic career with the likes of Real Madrid, PSG, Liverpool, Manchester City, Bolton and Chelsea, before making a big-money move to Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua in 2012.

His spell in Chinese football did not last long, as he returned to Europe in a loan move to Juventus, though he only made three appearances for the Serie A club.

The 34-year-old then moved to West Brom on a free transfer this summer, and had been talked about as potentially one of the signings of the season, though his future now seems up in the air.

In a brief statement, West Brom confirmed that Anelka would miss the club’s next match with Everton, saying:

“West Bromwich Albion can confirm that Nicolas Anelka will not be involved in Saturday’s game at Everton.

“The club have excused the striker from club duty on compassionate grounds.”


More Stories West Bromwich Albion FC