Nicolas Anelka unveiled as Indian Super League side Mumbai City's player/manager

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Controversial ex-Premier League star Nicolas Anelka is to make a foray into management with Indian Super League outfit Mumbai City FC.

Anelka, who is now 36, will take on the dual role as the club's marquee player/manager, having played for the team during the league's inaugural season last year.

The former Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Bolton, Chelsea and West Brom man is poised to join a group of well-known former players managing some of the MLS-style league's eight franchises.

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Anelka was unveiled as Mumbai City's new manager via their official Twitter feed with a cartoon depiction of the Frenchman wearing a smart, black suit

The Frenchman (centre) plays in a training session with Mumbai City team-mates in Kolkata in October, 2014

Anelka (in white, centre) is to manage in India with former Arsenal team-mate David Platt (in white, right)

Anelka joins notable names at the helm in India including former Arsenal team-mate David Platt at Pune City, the man who handed David Beckham the England captain's armband for the first time, Peter Taylor at Kerala Blasters, Brazilian legend, Zico at Goa, and Italian 2006 World Cup winner, Marco Materazzi at Chennaiyin.

Last season Materazzi was player/manager of Chennaiyin FC, while Englishman David James played and managed Kerela Blasters; former Real Madrid defender Roberto Carlos is expected to take charge of Delhi Dynamos this year.

Anelka, who had already been announced as Mumbai's marquee player for the upcoming campaign, was unveiled as the club's new manager via their official Twitter feed with a cartoon depiction of the Frenchman wearing a smart, black suit.

And he spoke of his delight at the appointment in a statement: 'I would like to say thank you to the Mumbai City FC staff for giving me the opportunity to coach the club.

'We are all very excited to start this new season. 

Anelka could be joined in India by former Real Madrid team-mate Roberto Carlos, who is expected to take charge of Delhi Dynamos

Peter Taylor handed David Beckham the England armband for the first time, and is Kerala Blasters manager

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

The striker took on a similar player/coach dual role in April 2012, for Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua, however, English fans will no doubt be shocked to see Anelka heading into management at such a comparatively young age.

He missed the first three games of the tournament's first edition in 2014 due to an international ban over the infamous quenelle gesture celebration he made after scoring at Upton Park while playing against West Ham for West Brom in the Premier League, in December 2013.

Anelka was banned for five matches for his controversial 'quenelle' goal celebration while at West Brom

Owned by, among others, Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor, Mumbai finished seventh (second last) last year, with Anelka scoring twice, with two assists in his seven appearances.

'I'm thrilled to have Nicolas as our marquee player-cum-manager,' Kapoor said.

'Last year, he impressed us all with his tactical knowledge and excellent motivational skills. 

'It's a role both parties have been discussing for a couple of months and it's been a great start. 

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

Atletico de Kolkata are the league's first and only winners with the second season due to start on October 3.