By Andrew Warshaw
August 26 – Former French international striker Nicolas Anelka is reported to be considering retiring following the death of his agent, Eric Manasse.
The much-travelled Anelka, who has won 69 caps for his country, was given compassionate leave by his latest club, West Bromwich Albion, to miss Saturday’s game against Everton.
Anelka had written on his Facebook page: “I’ve just learned with deep sadness the death of mister Eric Manasse. I can’t find the words to express my huge grief.”
Anelka, 34, joined West Brom, his sixth Premier League club, on a free transfer last month and featured in their opening game of this season. Before that, he briefly played at Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua but did not settle and went out on loan at Juventus for the latter half of last season.
When asked if he fully expected Anelka to return, West Brom manager Steve Clarke said: “I don’t know, because from the conversation we had the other day, it was really negative. But we have given him time to think about it.”
During a colourful and often controversial career, Anelka claimed Premier League titles with Arsenal and Chelsea, and has also played for Liverpool, Manchester City and Bolton. He won the Champions League in 2000 with Real Madrid.
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