LONDON: Nicolas Anelka, who was given a five-match ban by the English FA following his controversial ‘quenelle’ salute, said on his Twitter account on Friday that he was quitting Premier League club West Bromwich Albion.
“Following my talks with the club I’ve been told I could be back in the squad under certain conditions that I can’t agree,” the former France striker said in a series of tweets on his verified Twitter account, @anelkaofficiel.
“As I want to preserve my integrity I’ve decided to free myself and to put an end to my contract with WBA with immediate effect.”
There was no immediate response from the club.
Anelka, who celebrated his 35th birthday on Friday, made the salute, widely regarded as anti-Semitic, when he scored the first of his two goals in a 3-3 draw between West Brom and West Ham United in a Premier League match in December.
After receiving a five-match ban and an 80,000 pounds ($133,000) fine for the salute last week, Anelka said on Thursday that he would serve the ban and not contest the decision.
The FA, who wanted a longer suspension for the Frenchman, also said they would accept the five-match ban imposed by their Independent Regulatory Commission.
Anelka used the gesture, devised by French comedian Dieudonne M’bala M’bala, on December 28. Anelka said he did it as an anti-establishment salute in support of his friend Dieudonne. (Reuters)
