Even if you only have a passing interest in football (soccer) you will know who Nicolas Anelka is. The French footballer spent most of his career mired in controversy and now, in Anelka Misunderstood, the man himself explains what really happened.
Born in Paris, Anelka grew up in a very normal family. By his own account, he had a great childhood and a passion for football. By the time he was 15 he was in one of the top training facilities and alongside Thierry Henry, his future was very bright indeed.
Fast forward two years and despite being at PSG, Anelka didn't feel like he was getting enough playing time so when Arsene Wenger came calling from Arsenal, in the English Premier League, Anelka promptly packed his bags and headed to London. However, in doing so he created a massive storm regarding the rules of transferring players from one European country to another – known as the Bosman rule. Challenging it in court, Anelka won the right to move and I suspect from that day the French Football Federation had his cards marked.
I could of course, continue detailing his career but then what would be the point in watching the documentary? And it really is such a stellar piece of filming that I don't want to spoil it for you. Suffice to say that not everything you read in the newspapers or watch on the news is even remotely true – who knew!
In his own words and with in-depth interviews with former players and managers, Anelka Misunderstood is one man's journey through the highs and lows of his footballing career. Why did he leave Arsenal? Why didn't it work at Real Madrid? And, of course, what really happened during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa when he was kicked off the squad and sent home?
Anelka Misunderstood is thoroughly engaging and the truth of the events discussed is really an eye-opener to anybody familiar with the sport. From family and friends, managers and media, this is the definitive account of Nicolas Anelka's life, and similar to The Last Dance, is a testament to one man's determination to be the best. And if you enjoyed it, then check out Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give In.
