Samir Nasri has completed his move from Arsenal to Manchester City for a reported £25m - and said he was delighted to be joining a club with "more passionate" fans.Nasri, 24, said: "Arsenal have good fans but not that passionate since they moved from Highbury.
"City fans are really passionate. When we played against City, the crowd was amazing. That's what I want."
Later on Twitter Nasri thanked Arsenal and wished the club all the best.
NASRI - CAREER STATS
Continue reading the main story
Born: 26 June 1987, Marseille
Height: 5ft 10in
Position: Attacking midfield
Marseille: 145 apps, 11 goals
Arsenal: 125 apps, 27 goals
France: 24 apps, 2 goals
The France international has signed a four-year deal at Eastlands.
The midfielder, who becomes becomes City's fourth major summer signing, said it had been frustrating waiting for his transfer to go through.
"It is a big relief because there were a long, long negotiations between the two clubs.
"Now I am finally a City player and that's all I wanted since the start. It is a big day for me. It is a new start.
"I was a little bit frustrated because I said to the manager I wanted to leave. I stayed for the whole pre-season. I wanted to do the pre-season with Manchester to know my team-mates."
Cannot play media.You do not have the correct version of the flash player. Download the correct version
Nasri arrives at Man City. Pictures courtesy of Manchester City TV - www.mcfc.co.uk/nasri
On the prospect of playing with Sergio Aguero and David Silva, Nasri said: "When you arrive at the club you want to play with big players. I love this kind of player. They have quick feet, good technique and like to play. You are looking to have a connection with them.
"I'm happy to be there in this dressing room."
Nasri added that he played against Liverpool last Saturday after he asked Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger to select him.
"I wanted to play," Nasri said. "The last game I had was with the national team.
"When I saw the deal was still in discussion, I said to Arsene I wanted to play because I need competition.
"He said, 'OK, are you focused?' I said, 'don't worry I am professional'."
Later on Twitter Nasri praised his old club: "I want [to] thank Arsenal FC for everything this club has done for me. I will always be grateful and I wish all the best to the club.
Analysis
Continue reading the main story
Mark Lawrenson,
BBC Sport football expert
"Nasri is a fluid player who can play across midfield and Roberto Mancini will see it as another quality addition which underlines the fact City will be making a real challenge for the title."
"And thank you Mr Wenger and all the staff you were amazing with me and I become the player I am today because of you."
City boss Roberto Mancini was delighted to complete the deal. He told the club's official website: "Samir is a fantastic player with a great technique and mentality.
"I have followed him since he was at Marseille and I wanted to bring him to Inter Milan five years ago.
"He has improved over his four years in the Premier League with Arsenal and he is a top player.
"He can score goals and make assists and he is a similar player to David Silva - but they can both play in the same team."
The France international was in the final year of his contract at Emirates Stadium and travelled to Manchester after being left out of Arsene Wenger's Champions League squad to face Udinese.
Nasri could make his City debut against Tottenham on Sunday.
DID YOU KNOW?
Continue reading the main story
Nasri was named French Player of the Year in 2010
He was included in the PFA Team of the Year for 2010-11
Nasri scored 15 goals in all competitions for the Gunners last season and has been given the number 19 shirt at City.
He joins former Arsenal team-mate Gael Clichy, Argentina forward Sergio Aguero and Serbian defender Stefan Savic as Mancini's major summer signings.
City have scored seven goals in winning their two Premier League games so far.
No comments:
Post a Comment