Striker Nicolas Anelka has claimed that he has terminated his contract at West Brom after long discussions with the club today. He was recently given a 5 match ban by the FA for his controversial ‘quenelle’ gesture.
And on Friday afternoon Anelka announced he was told by the club that he could return to the West Brom ‘group’ under certain conditions, conditions he could not accept. He has therefore released himself from his contract.
Anelka sent 3 tweets, in French. They translate to, “Follow talks between the club and myself, propositions were made in order to reintegrate me into the West Brom group under certain conditions I could not accept.”
“Wishing to retain in integrity, I have therefore taken the decision to free myself of my contract linking me to West Brom to 2014, with immediate effect.”
The ‘quenelle’ gesture is considered anti-semetic, particularly in France.
Anelka has insisted that he isn’t racist, and that the gesture is anti-Establishment, not anti-Semetic. The gesture is linked with French comdian Dieudonne, who is a friend of Anelka’s but has convictions for racism.
West Brom fined Anelka £80,000 for the incident, he was charged and found guilty by the FA of misconduct after a two day hearing at the end of February.
West Brom have already lost one sponsor as a result of the row.
By Ben Kelly
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