Dubai is the backdrop for Netflix’s new documentary on retired French footballer Nicolas Anelka.
The former Arsenal striker, who now lives in Dubai with his family, is the subject of Anelka: Misunderstood, which came out on the streaming service last week.
The documentary explores the ups and downs of Anelka’s career, during which he played for Paris-Saint Germain, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City.
He is one of football’s most nomadic players of the past 20 years, but his career was marred by problems away from the pitch, including a controversial half-time row with France manager Raymond Domenech, following which he was sent home from the 2010 World Cup.
The Frenchman now lives in Dubai with his wife and three children, and much of the 94-minute Netflix documentary is filmed in the city.
The opening sequence shows wide shots of a lone Anelka walking through the Dubai desert, while many scenes show him going about everyday family life with his children in his apartment, as well as shots of him out and about in the city, including an evening playing football close to a mosque at Kite Beach.
As well as his career, Anelka talks of his childhood, faith, and how becoming a father changed his life. The documentary also features interviews with fellow football legends Thierry Henry, Didier Drogba and Arsene Wenger.
In other scenes, he can be seen strolling with his family along the Palm and boxing with his personal trainer, as well as running through the desert at Al Qudra cycle track.
The Frenchman has lived in Dubai for several years and often interacts with his fans in the UAE. In the past, he has joined up with Dubai Sports Council to send well wishes via video message during Ramadan, and most recently sent a video message via DSC urging everyone in the emirate to stay safe and stay at home during the Covid-19 crisis.
Anelka: Misunderstood is available to stream on Netflix UAE now
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo
Power: 181hp
Torque: 230Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Starting price: Dh79,000
On sale: Now
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The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
Panipat
Director Ashutosh Gowariker
Produced Ashutosh Gowariker, Rohit Shelatkar, Reliance Entertainment
Cast Arjun Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Kriti Sanon, Mohnish Behl, Padmini Kolhapure, Zeenat Aman
Rating 3 /5 stars
Zayed Sustainability Prize
TRAP
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Saleka Shyamalan, Ariel Donaghue
Director: M Night Shyamalan
Rating: 3/5
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Nigel Farage told Reform's annual conference that the party will proscribe the Muslim Brotherhood if he becomes Prime Minister.
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The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
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Cyber crime - This includes fraud, impersonation, scams and deepfake technology, tactics that are increasingly targeting infrastructure and exploiting human vulnerabilities.
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Our legal consultants
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
