Nasri’s Arsenal snub: City over Arsenal, Marseille always first | OneFootball

Samir Nasri‘s relationship with Arsenal remains strained over a decade after his acrimonious departure.

The former midfielder recently made his feelings clear during an interview with Canal Plus, revealing an order of loyalty that places the Gunners squarely at the bottom.

Nasri’s loyalty rankings

When asked about his allegiances and who he’d support in hypothetical matches, Nasri’s choices were revealing. If Manchester City faced Arsenal, he’d choose City. And if City faced hometown club Marseille? “Marseille, always Marseille,” declared the Frenchman.

Arsenal was firmly his last priority.

Arsenal fans who still feel the sting of his 2011 transfer to Manchester City. While success followed him there, his legacy at the Emirates remains controversial.

Samir Nasri‘s time at Arsenal is a tale of both brilliance and betrayal in the eyes of some fans. He arrived from Marseille in 2008 and quickly became a fan favourite with his technical wizardry and was dubbed “Little Zidane.” However, a contract dispute and the lure of Manchester City’s riches saw him leave under a cloud in 2011.

Many Arsenal fans perceived the move as a betrayal, prioritising money over the club that had nurtured him. His exit, along with Cesc Fabregas that same summer, deepened the sense of disillusionment.

This animosity peaked in 2012 when an irate fan confronted Nasri on live television, accusing him of “selling his soul.”

Arsenal has left a lasting wound.

Nasri has always defended his move, emphasising his desire to win trophies, which he did. Two Premier League titles followed along with a League Cup.

He felt he had outgrown Arsenal, though his comments often lacked empathy for fans’ sense of betrayal.

Lingering grudge

Nasri’s latest interview confirms that any lingering affection he may have held for Arsenal has eroded. For Gunners fans, the feeling is likely mutual. His controversial departure, amplified by the choice of rivals, remains a reminder of painful chapter in the club’s history.