Samir Nasri has arrived in Turkey ahead of his proposed transfer from Manchester City to Antalyaspor.
There was a crowd waiting at the airport for Nasri, with photographs travelling around the world of the player being welcomed as a hero.
French newspaper L’Equipe are obviously interested in Nasri’s future, and have spoken to an Antalyaspor fan and others about the Turkish welcomes and what’s behind the airport madness.
The arrival of Manchester City’s Nasri was publicised by the club, and with Turkish fans prevalent on social media, the call to welcome him quickly spread. Airports get in on the act, and whilst all fans have to go through security checks, they’re allowed through to meet arriving players.
Turkish football has fanatical support.
Olivier Veigneau, who plays at Kasimpasa, told L’Equipe that fans arriving in huge numbers at airport is also a warning to players that Turkey isn’t a retirement home: “The Turks are generous, but do not like being taken for idiots. They are very demanding with the stars.”
Samir Nasri is probably well advised to listen to that advice. Should he complete his transfer from Manchester City, it’s best for Nasri that he keeps the ‘human tide’ very much on his side.
