Former West Bromwich Albion striker and French international Nicolas Anelka has been welcomed by the fans of Brazilian side Atletico Mineiro as the Frenchman signed for them as a free agent. The ex Chelsea, Arsenal and Real Madrid man had been plying his trade for English Premier League side West Brom until he saw his contract terminated and was sacked prior to crossing over to the Brazilian league.
Anelka was involved in a controversial incident while playing at West Brom as the Frenchman made a “quenelle” gesture while celebrating a goal, a gesture that is believed to be anti-Semitic, though Anelka argued it was not anti-Semitic related. He was later given a five-match ban by the FA and sacked by his employers before signing for the Copa Libertadores winners.
Anelka performing the controversial "quenelle" gesture during an EPL game vs. West Ham
The Atletico Mineiro president Alexandre Kalil had announced the signing of Anelka on Twitter, saying: “Anelka is a rooster.”
"Anelka is a rooster": rooster is the nickname for the Brazilian side
Anelka é do Galo.
— Alexandre Kalil (@alexandrekalil) April 6, 2014
Atletico Mineiro fans welcoming Anelka
PICTURE - Atlético Mineiro fans welcoming new signing Nicolas Anelka. pic.twitter.com/QwxRlnmEcJ
— Seleção Brasileira (@BrazilStats) April 7, 2014
Was this a good move on both parties' side?
