Samir Nasri responded to Manchester City coach Roberto Mancini’s claim that he’d like to “punch” the Frenchman for not always playing his best bysaying that Arsene Wenger, Nasri’s former coach during his time at Arsenal, is the “best” coach he’s ever worked with, and that he only left the Gunnersbecause he was forced out by American owner Stan Kroenke.
“Wenger told me that, if Cesc [Fabregas] left, I would stay but Kroenke wanted the money,”Nasri said in an interview with beIN Sport. “The coach told me we’ll only take Gervinho, Cesc was already gone, I had only one year left so I decided to leave.”
Thatbeing said, the 25-year-old added: “I don’t regret leaving Arsenal. I won the league while Arsenal have difficulty finishing fourth.” Regarding Mancini’s comments, he said, “I am aware that Ihave not had a good season. There are many reasons. But when Mancini said that I’m training at 50 percent, this is not true. I felt comfortable against Newcastle. It’s been a while since I feltgood.”
As for his relationship with Wenger: “Wenger is the best coach I’ve worked with. I only regret not having more discussions with Arsene Wenger when I left,” Nasri said. “He’sthe one who understood me the most and made me the player I am. I’m thankful.”