Samir Nasri has told of his delight at finally joining Manchester City from Arsenal after long, drawn out, tiring negotiations, speaking about the frustration of still being an Arsenal player at pre-season. He told City's official website:
“It is a big relief. It was a long negotiation and discussion between the two clubs and now I am finally a City player. That is what I wanted from the start. I’m really happy."
“I was a little bit frustrated because I said to the manager (Wenger) I wanted to leave. I stayed for the whole pre-season, but I wanted to do the pre-season with Manchester, so then I can know my team-mates a little more."
“I was a bit frustrated. It is a big day for me. It is a new start and I’m looking forward to doing it.”
Nasri had some trouble with abusive Arsenal fans during the clubs first game in which he did not play, but the Frenchman feels he will not have any worries with the City fans, whom he described as
"really passionate," - and more so than Arsenal's fans, which may cause upset with many Gunners. City's £24 million signing continued:
“The (City) fans are really passionate. It reminds me a little of Marseille. Arsenal have good fans but not so passionate since they moved to the Emirates from Highbury."
“I remember when we lost 3-0 at City the crowd was amazing. That is what I want when I play football.”
To add insult to injury, Arsenal's former captain, Patrick Viera, who is held in high regard among many Arsenal fans, played his part in bringing Nasri to City. Viera, who is now a Football Development Executive at City, the club where he retired, told Nasri that City is "the place to be." He said:
“It was important to have advice from people who know the club well and know the difference between Arsenal and Manchester City."
“Patrick is a legend in France. When a player like this tells you Manchester City is the place to be, that it is the club of the future and wants to win everything, you have to listen to this. I am here to play football and to win titles, not for the sun or things like that.”
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