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Samir Nasri takes parting shot at Arsenal fans' lack of 'passion'
Evening Standard 25 Aug 2011Samir Nasri is looking forward to playing for Manchester City's "passionate" fans.
The 24-year-old France international claims to have already been struck by an enthusiasm from supporters he did not experience at Arsenal.
Nasri yesterday completed his protracted move from the Gunners to City by signing a four-year contract at the Etihad Stadium.
"I can see they are really passionate and it reminds me a little bit of Marseille," Nasri told City TV after posing for photographs at Eastlands.
"Arsenal have good fans but not that passionate since they moved from Highbury to the Emirates (Stadium).
"I remember when we played against City, when we lost 3-0, the crowd was amazing.
"That is what I want. When you play football it is for a good atmosphere."
Nasri was entering the final year of his Arsenal contract and the Gunners reluctantly decided to cash in after the former Marseille player made clear his desire to leave.
City appear to have spent most of the summer pursuing the deal and the player himself is pleased his future is now settled.
He added: "It is a big relief, it was a long negotiation and discussion between the two clubs.
"Finally I am a City player and that is what I wanted since the start, so I am really happy.
"I was a little bit frustrated, I said to the manager I wanted to leave.
"I wanted to do the pre-season with Manchester so I could know a little bit more about my team-mates.
"It was frustrating but it is a new start and I am looking forward to doing it."
Nasri, who scored 15 goals last season, could now make his City debut in this Sunday's Barclays Premier League encounter at Tottenham.
He is City's fourth major signing of the summer transfer window following the club record £38million purchase of Sergio Aguero and the arrivals of defenders Stefan Savic and Gael Clichy.
Manager Roberto Mancini said: "He's a fantastic player because he has technique, he has mentality.
"I knew him when he played for Marseille, I followed him when I was at Inter and we wanted to take him five years ago.
"But I think in the last three years in the Premier League he's improved a lot. Now I think he's a top player."
Arsenal had been reluctant to part company with one of their prized assets - particularly so soon after losing former captain Cesc Fabregas - but Nasri's determination to leave appears to have forced their hand.
The London club at least seem to have made a profit on the player they signed from his hometown Marseille for £15.8million in 2008.
A fee has not been disclosed but it is believed to be around the £24million mark.
Reader views (11)
It was widely reported, and pointedly never denied, that Man City were Na$ri's fourth choice destination after he decided to abandon Arsenal. It was alleged that Man United, Barca and Real Madrid in that order were his preferred destinations'. This augurs well for City. To quote $amir directly "Money has never been my motivation. I have always taken decisions from a football point of view. I don't want to sign for a club where I wouldn't be playing the football that I like, where I wouldn't feel happy, just for the sake of money. We already earn huge wages. The priority is to make a big career and to win titles. This is more important than everything else. I know the value and the meaning of money." There is no doubt that it is arguable (not definitive) that Na$ri will have opportunities to win things with City. After all money can buy most things but it cannot buy some things e.g love or class a fact that Na$ri seemed to grasp previously when hes stated "I think we have more merit as a club than those who have built their teams with millions of pounds." The we he refers I believe were Arsenal Football Club renowned for it's class among many other great attributes. Good Luck $amir Na$ri!!!!!
- Pat Healy, Portaferry, Ireland, 25/08/2011 14:42
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Samir Nasri in 2010 : "I think we have more merit as a club than those who have built their teams with millions of pounds."
Oh dear, Na$ri... I am certain he heard the Cashley chants, they can be very easily adapted to suit another mercenary who left the club for a fatter pay packet at a less meritable club!
- Nuttygooner, London, 25/08/2011 13:20
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i am spurs fan but we all know NASRI me old cockle you went for the wonga so dont come out with a load of old tosh about man city fans being passionate
- steve, Halstead, 25/08/2011 12:52
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I'm surprised Nasri could comment on the crowds at the Emirates considering he only ever turned up for 3 monts out of 3 years at the Arsenal.
Enjoy your £180K per week whilst warming the bench at Citeh.
- HendonGooner, Hendon, London, 25/08/2011 12:48
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Nasri doesn't play for Arsenal; who cares what he says?
- gaz, n7, 25/08/2011 12:47
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he's got a point, but glad he feels the need to slag off the team that helped put him in a situation where he can take c.£185k a week. man city will self implode to a certain degree as they cant have a squad of 25 internationals, as at some point, some will just get disilluioned by not playing - especially coming up to 2012 and 2014 international cups. but they do have the money now, so they can do it, its not good for football but its it what it is.
- Leigh (formerly Yup, another Gooner), London, 25/08/2011 10:37
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"Oh come on guys, it is a souless bowl at the Emirates."
Absolute rubbish. Just because Arsenal fans aren't the noisiest bunch does not mean they are souless or not passionate. On the contrary, the fans have been absolutely great the past few years, having to put up with complete inept performances after making uncomfortable journeys, watching the reds in snow, wind and rain. We pay the player's wages, we make ourselves heard when expression of opinion is required. We celebrate just like any other fan when we score and win.
Whilst Nasri is a great footballer, he is revealing much naivity here and disrespect. For his sake, I only hope karma is kind to him.
- Joe, London, 25/08/2011 10:32
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I just have to laugh when I read of these mercenaries swearing short-term loyalties to whatever club will reward them with the biggest bag of silver and their "appreciation" of the long-suffering cash cows called fans. Long gone are the days when the likes of Bobby Charlton signed for one club and stayed with that club throughout his career.
Nasri is just another soulless footballing itinerant who will be soon forgotten along with all the others like him.
- Baron von Richtofen, Biggin Hill, 25/08/2011 10:18
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Oh come on guys, it is a souless bowl at the Emirates.
Still, he is a mercenary. I have little time for your club but it's several times the size of City.
Money talks, such a shame.
- Mike Patton, London, 25/08/2011 09:59
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what rubbish nasri. you only left becaus
e of the money. people like you have no loyalty or integrity. you should hope you dont get discarded like adebayor and all the others,because man city have no loyalty or integrity just like you.
- tony, london, 25/08/2011 09:26
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No Nasri Arsenal fans do not lack passion but you lack class and loyalty,you have got a good deal and so have Arsenal so why stick the boot in now.We have cashed in on you and you have gone to Man City for the money simple as that passion does not come into it.
- Mr Arsenal, Islington N.1, 25/08/2011 09:13
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