On loan at Sevilla from Manchester City, Samir Nasri is still making headlines in the British press, speaking about his past, his time in England and how nice life is in Sevilla.
Most recently, the 29-year-old attacking midfielder revealed in L’Equipe du Soir in France how Pep Guardiola told him he was ‘a mess’ and literally kicked him in the butt after returning from holiday a little bit out of shape.
The former France international has enjoyed a very positive start to the season with his new club in Spain, earning lots of praise from the Spanish media, with Jorge Sampaoli making him the heart of his plans at Sevilla.
Explaining he was already following Arsenal a bit before moving to London due to the high number of French players in the squad, Nasri was also very complimentary about his former manager Arsène Wenger.
He said: “He was a role model and it was a golden opportunity to work with him. I met him and didn’t hesitate for one second.”
The player spent three rather successful years under the French manager at Arsenal, but when a move to the Etihad presented itself, the player decided it was time to move on.
He explained: “Joining Manchester City allowed me to win titles, the Premier League, the League Cup and the Community Shield. We didn’t have the same luck in Europe, except last year with the Champions League semi-final.
“As a player, I progressed on different levels as I was playing next to big names at Manchester City, lots of players with big egos and I was capable to adapt to that situation. I needed to work for the team.”
Five years later, the player has now started a new step in his career, as a future in the north of England, at least at City, seems unlikely, even if Guardiola was apparently against his loan to Sevilla.
Feeling ‘wanted’ and getting the ‘affection’ he needs at the Spanish club, the player now feels ‘important’.
Despite there not being a buy-out clause in his loan deal with Sevilla, if he continues to perform as he has done, and remains happy, it wouldn’t be surprising if the La Liga side decided to try and make the move permanent.
