TheCable

Former France striker, Nicolas Anelka, has been named player-manager of Mumbai City.

The 36-year-old played for the Indian Super League side last season and has impressed co-owner and Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor.

“He impressed us all with his tactical knowledge and excellent motivational skills,” Kapoor said.

“We will provide Nicolas all the support required to try and win the league this year.”

The former Chelsea and Arsenal striker occupied a similar role during a season spent at Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua in 2012.

The striker, who played for 12 clubs in his career, only managed two goals in seven league games in his first season at Mumbai but returns hoping for a more rewarding stint.

“We are all very excited to start this new season,” Anelka said.

“I’m personally very eager to take on this new role for the club and put a strong competitive team on the pitch.”

Mumbai finished seventh of eight teams in the Indian Super League’s inaugural 2014 season.