Controversial French striker Nicolas Anelka has sought to relaunch his career by signing on Monday to play for Mumbai City in the nascent Indian Super League.

The 35-year-old much-travelled player has been without a club since he was fired by West Bromwich Albion in March for “gross misconduct” after the quenelle row when he made an alleged anti-semitic gesture after scoring a goal.

“I’m pleased to join Mumbai City FC & very exciting in joining Indian Super League,” Anelka said on Twitter.

“Talented international players & top Indian talent will make matches thrilling affairs.

“I look forward to using my ability to do well for my team in the matches we will play.”

One of the most controversial players currently active in world football, Anelka has stirred up a succession of rows and disputes in a career that has seen him play for the likes of Arsenal, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Shanghai Shenhua in China.

He also won 69 French caps, scoring 14 goals before being thrown out of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa following a row with coach Raymond Domenech.

He was handed an 18-match ban for that bustup, that effectively ended his international career.

He will be playing in the Indian Super League which kicks off with a 10-week tournament beginning in October and modelled along the lines of cricket’s cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL).

Five facts on Nicolas Anelka

Here are five facts on the controversial 35-year-old striker:

—  Anelka is making his return to football after leaving West Bromwich Albion in England over his use of the ‘quenelle’ gesture which many regard as being anti-semetic. The English FA banned him for five games for the gesture.

— Since 1996, the Frenchman has played twice for Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester City, Fenerbahce, Bolton Wanderers, Chelsea, Shanghai Shenhua, Juventus and West Brom.

— He played 69 times for France and famously was the player sent home from the 2010 World Cup in South Africa for a bustup with coach Raymond Domenech, sparking a player strike. Anelka was also given a lengthy ban at Real Madrid for refusing to train but returned to play a key role in their Champions League winning side in 2000.

— Despite his temperament, at his peak Anelka was one of the most brilliant strikers in international football and has scored more than 200 goals in all competitions.

— The footballer converted to Islam in 2004 and reportedly adopted the name Abdul Salam Bilal. “It keeps me calmer and more stable on and off the pitch,” he said in one 2009 interview.