Anelka leaves Shanghai after 12 months

Completing a highly profitable move to China just over a year ago, Nicolas Anelka is set to make a temporary return to Europe.

According to Sky Sports, reigning Serie A champions Juventus are about to land the French striker on a short-term deal until the end of the season.  He will join the Italian club on loan from Shanghai Shenhua, where his annual salary is reported to be around €12 million.

Anelka has disappointingly scored just 3 goals in 23 appearances for the Chinese club, yet he remains one of their marquee players along with former Chelsea team-mate Didier Drogba.  The Ivory Coast striker, however, has enjoyed much more success in Shanghai, which may be one of the reasons Anelka has been allowed to leave.  Despite joining halfway through last season, the signing of Drogba provided a massive boost to the side, as he managed to find the net an incredible 9 times in just 11 games.

The one thing Anelka has done throughout his career is score goals, with 200 strikes in over 600 games making his overall record almost one in three.  Having previously played in France, England, Spain and Turkey, Italy will be another country the forward can add to his impressive résumé.

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