Samir Nasri completes Manchester City move from Arsenal
- Published
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, external Nasri thanked Arsenal and wished the club all the best.
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 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."
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, external 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.
"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, external: "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.
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.
- Published19 August 2011