NICOLAS ANELKA has landed a new job as CEO of Turkish side Umraniyespor.
The 44-year-old had been out of work for three years since leaving his gig as sporting director at French amateur side Hyeres in 2021.
Anelka’s new team were relegated from the Turkish Super Lig last season after coming 17th.
They have endured an underwhelming start to life back in the second tier, sitting 12th having won just six of their 19 matches.
Announcing their new hire, Umraniyespor wrote: “Bienvenue, Professor!
“Our club has agreed with Nicolas Anelka for the CEO position.
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“We welcome Nicolas Anelka and wish him success.”
The former Arsenal and Chelsea striker will be tasked with restoring Umraniyespor to the top flight.
Anelka returns to Turkey having played for Fenerbahce during the 2005-06 season.
And fans appear to be excited to have him back.
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One Fener supporter said: “It was legendary for us. I hope it helps you too. Nicolas Anelka is a completely different dimension.”
While a second gushed: “Well done to the president.”
A third swooned: “God bless you, we are waiting for you in the super league again.”
Another added: “Congratulations on a great job. I hope it will be good for Turkish football.”
In addition to Arsenal and Chelsea, Anelka represented Manchester City, Liverpool, Bolton and West Brom during his Premier League career.
He also played for the likes of Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus on the continent.
The French international hung up his boots in 2015 after a spell as player-manager at Indian side Mumbai City.
He subsequently worked in Lille’s academy between 2018 and 2020, before his stint with Hyeres.
Who did Nicolas Anelka play for?
PSG – 1996-1997
12 apps, 1 goal
Arsenal – 1997-1999
90 apps, 28 goals
Real Madrid – 1999-2000
33 apps, 7 goals
PSG – 2000-2002
57 apps, 18 goals
Liverpool (loan) – 2001-2002
22 apps, 5 goals
Manchester City – 2002-2005
103 apps, 45 goals
Fenerbahce – 2005-2006
57 apps, 16 goals
Bolton Wanderers – 2006-2008
61 apps, 23 goals
Chelsea – 2008-2012
184 apps, 59 goals
Shanghai Shenhua – 2012-2013
23 apps, 3 goals
Juventus (loan) – 2013
3 apps, 0 goals
West Bromwich Albion – 2013-14
12 apps, 2 goals
Mumbai City – 2014-15
13 apps, 2 goals
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
