Samir Nasri reveals big admiration for Arsene Wenger and says he was major factor in Arsenal move
French star hails ex-manager and says he was major factor behind Gunners move in 2008
SAMIR NASRI hailed Arsene Wenger as a “role model” and claimed he was the reason he joined Arsenal in 2008.
The French midfielder, now on loan at Sevilla from Manchester City, spent three years at the Gunners and scored 18 goals in 86 appearances.
Wenger spent £12million to bring him to the Premier League, and the 29-year-old has spoken about why he opted for the Emirates.
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Nasri said: “Arsenal were a team I already really liked because Arsene Wenger was their manager and there were always a lot of French players.
“In 2004, when I started out, they had their Invincibles team, with [Thierry] Henry, [Robert] Pires and [Patrick] Vieira, and in France we used to watch that team a lot.
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“When I met Arsene Wenger, he was a role model and it was a great opportunity to work with him. I didn't hesitate for a second.”
Nasri left Wenger’s side for City in 2011 for £25m – and the player saw the switch as an opportunity to win silverware.
Speaking to UEFA.com, Nasri added: “It gave me the chance to win trophies: the Premier League, the League Cup and the Community Shield.
“We didn't really have much success in the Champions League apart from last season when we got to the semi-finals.
“As a player I progressed in a lot of ways because I was playing in a side with a lot of big-name players. I had to be able to adapt. I had to work for the team.
“I've got very fond memories because of two very good seasons, there were others that weren't so good but that helped me to become tougher mentally.”
Nasri is in Champions League action tonight when his Sevilla side face Juventus.