The City midfielder turned down Manchester United too, but does he pine for life at the Emirates?
Samir Nasri is not exactly the most popular man among Arsenal supporters.
While he was their standout player this time last season, 12 months on he is a passenger in Manchester City’s illuminated squad of stars.
Tough luck, say most of the Gooners who feel he deserted them for money, rather than ambition.
So it was surprising to see Nasri at the Emirates on Monday night, watching on as Arsenal legend Thierry Henry returned.
As a former Arsenal player, he knows what it means to the club for Henry to come back.
Had he not left he could have been sharing the pitch with him. It’s fair to say Nasri is probably feeling a tinge of regret, especially with the ill-feeling his own departure caused.
His role at Manchester City has been diminished by the outstanding form of David Silva.
He started well in his debut against Spurs, but since then he has slowly retreated into his shell when on the pitch, far from the free creative spirit he was allowed to be at Arsenal.
The criticism he received after his acrimonious departure and lack of pitch time has seen his confidence dip, and it is only natural for him to be re-thinking his decision.
But his only option is to get over it, train hard, and start putting in the performances.
Once he starts doing that and cultivating a role for himself at Manchester City, he will start to feel at home.
In any case, Arsenal wouldn’t take him back, not after his role in destabilising the club in the summer.
So Samir its time to knuckle down, get on with it and start performing, starting with tonight’s Carling Cup semi-final against Liverpool, if selected.
Then there is the Premier League and Europa League titles to chase.
So he could end the season as a triple-champion. He won’t be regretting his move then.
Its time for him to give back to the club which spent £25 million on securing his signature.
Be a part of City’s history, rather than longing to share Arsenal’s.
image: © wonker
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