Chelsea striker Nicholas Anelka has had his try at 9 different teams all across Europe, including Arsenal, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Bolton Wanderers, and now Chelsea. He even donned a Manchester City jersey at one point. Weird. Anywho…It appears the 31-year-old French International is interested in making that number an even 10 by trying his luck in Major League Soccer, according to his agent, brother Claude Anelka. Here’s what he had to say:
“Nicolas told me he is interested in playing in the United States. We could see him crossing the Atlantic, and I’m serious when I say this.”
“He asked himself what he will do once his current contract runs out. The US is quite something, and a dream destination. He says he will give it a try, even though he would earn less money than in somewhere like Qatar.”
Well good thing you aren’t just doing this for money, Anelka brothers. We were worried. A few “good” destinations for the controversial striker?
1). New York Red Bulls: What better way to kick off the retirement party then to partner with international teammate and fellow striker Thierry Henry? Not much, considering the Red Bulls lost their talismanic leader Juan Pablo Angel to the galaxy during the offseason. If Henry becomes prolific at all, Anelka would be a great second striker to partner with and bring some more starpower back to NYC.
2). Chicago Fire: Another team that lost significant starpower up top with the retirement of the USMNT’s best striker, Brian McBride.
Nery Castillo is a fine option (for now), but really the team can’t have Patrick Nyarko up top if it hopes to compete for silverware. The club would love a creative second striker to pair with Castillo and Anelka could fit the bill so long as he carries out his contract at Chelsea.
3). Los Angeles Galaxy: Prolific striker Edson Buddle may be gone in a short time with his current trial with Birmingham City going better than expected and the USMNT striker having a legitimate shot at surviving at a small club in Europe. If the Galaxy don’t get Ronaldihno in six months time, they’ll be looking for a new proven striker with experience (this team has veteran written all over it). Nice fit for Anelka and a great town for him to experience stateside.
Bottom line is Anelka will garner a huge wage packet (in MLS terms). He’ll be on his last legs and could be a distraction with a huge upside for an MLS side looking to sell jerseys and put Chelsea fans in the seats. At least he’s not going to Qatar, right?
