Nasri shoots off again: Arsenal now a selling club

Nasri had made up his mind to leave Arsenal in June. (FILE)

Published Wednesday, August 31, 2011

By Staff

Samir Nasri has launched another stinging attack on his former club Arsenal by claiming they are now a selling club.

Nasri refused to blame Arsene Wenger for failing to compete with Europe’s elite when it comes to capturing the best talent, saying his former manager is restricted by a lack of cash.

The £24million Manchester City signing said: “Arsenal do not have money to spend, so they are gambling on young players. Arsenal are obliged to sell their best players and bet on youth - but what counts is having a team, great players and a solid squad to win titles.”

Of his old boss, Nasri added: “Wenger is an immense manager and a great man. He takes care of his players, maybe too much. He’s not a man of conflict.”

The prospect of being part of a new-look Arsenal was not enough to persuade the French forward to stay, particularly after the club’s six-season trophy drought.

“Arsene wanted me to stay but I made my decision to leave in June. I wanted to leave after our difficult end to the season,” Nasri told France Football magazine. “There were signs that it was time for me to leave Arsenal. Cesc’s departure, our end of season, defeat in the Carling Cup final and Manchester City on the way up.

“I didn’t want to be the leader of a team that didn’t win trophies. Today, I feel like I’m in a team where I can win titles.”

Nasri’s comments will further antagonise Gunners fans who are furious at him - and Cesc Fabregas - for leaving.

While Arsenal were being humiliated by Manchester United on Sunday, Nasri played a key role on his debut for City in their 5-1 demolition of Tottenham.

Despite being paid £175,000 a week, Nasri, 24, again claimed ambition, rather than money, was behind his choosing City over Manchester United and said Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira, the football development executive at Eastlands, played a key role in his move.

Nasri said: “Manchester United? I wanted to write history rather than participate in it. I think there is more to do with City. Vieira convinced me by presenting City as a big club of the future. He said it was important to be part of it now.”

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