Samir Nasri has revealed that he met Sir Alex Ferguson to discuss a possible transfer to Manchester United in 2011 before deciding to leave Arsenal for Manchester City.
Samir Nasri revealed that he discussed a move to Manchester United before joining Manchester City but rejected the move because he didna t want to upset Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger. The Frenchman said that the then manager Sir Alex Ferguson asked him to a go to war with Arsenala in order to join the Red Devils.
a We met with Sir Alex in Paris, in a hidden place, out of sight, so as not to fuel the rumours,a Nasri told beIN Sports.
a But there was one thing that was a problem; I was asked to go to war with Arsenal to be able to join. I could not see myself doing it, especially with Arsene Wenger.
a After Man City showed their interest. [Roberto] Mancini called me every day during the holidays. I then decided that they really wanted me.a
Samir Nasri left Arsenal in 2011 for Manchester City in a deal worth A?25million. Nasri, then went on to achieve a lot of success at the Etihad. Nasri, along with another former Gunner, Gael Clichy, won two Premier League titles with City after leaving the London-based club. On the other hand, Arsenal have won only the 2014 FA Cup in the last decade.
The departure of Nasri amongst many other top stars has often been considered as the reason behind Arsenala s failure to achieve the kind of success that was expected from the club. Nasria s decision to join direct Premier League rivals has made him a regular target for the Arsenal boo-boys. However, the 27-year old claims he did what was best for him.
a They see it as treason or that I betrayed them,a Nasri said in August. “It’s not like that. I just look at what is best for me.”
The Frenchman was in the news last year for his poor relationship with France boss Didier Deschamps, who left Nasri out of his Bleus squad for the 2014 World Cup. That proved to be the end of the midfieldera s international career as Nasri decided to retire from international duties after the snub.
According to whoscored.com Nasri has made 20 appearances for Manchester City this season in all competitions, in which, the midfielder has scored 1 goal and provided 5 assists.
Samir Nasri is in the contention to win his third Premier League medal with Manchester City as the defending champions see themselves second in the league table, two points behind Chelsea.