The downfall of Samir Nasri

Samir Nasri was destined for big things when he was snapped up by Olympique Marseille at the age of 17.

There were several clubs fighting for his signature including Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea, but Nasri decided to choose his home-town club. After 4 impressive seasons at the French club, Nasri was approached by Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.

He was a long term admirer of Samir, ever since he watched him play in the 2004 European U17 Championships, in which Nasri contributed two goals to help France win the tournament. Samir Nasri was first introduced to English football on July 11th 2008, when Arsenal signed the midfielder for £12million from Ligue 1 side Olympique Marseille.

Nasri arrived at the Emirates as young, modest, grateful 22 year old. He had an impressive few years at Stade Velodrome and was loved by the Marseille fans, but he kept his feet on the ground and was ready to make a name for himself in North London. Arsenal scout Giles Grimandi was full of praise when speaking about Nasri.

He was quoted: “Samir is a student of football – he lives for the game. He loves training and watches game after game on TV.” So what happened to make this talented footballer become a much un-loved figure to so many fans?

Little was known about Nasri when Arsenal signed him, and many didn’t know what to expect. Nasri had an impressive first season, scoring seven goals and providing five assists. His second season, however, did not go to plan. The French midfielder broke his leg in pre-season, and did not participate until October. That season, he managed to score five goals and 5 assists.

The following season (10-11), Nasri made his breakthrough as an Arsenal player. Nasri admitted a large part of this was down to not being called up to the 2010 World Cup France squad. He said: “When I discovered that I wasn’t part of the squad for the World Cup, I got a big slap in the face. The next day I had a chat with Arsene Wenger and he reassured me.”

He seemed determined to prove himself, and Nasri probably did. Nasri was on form for Arsenal, and the Arsenal faithful began to love him. Nasri scored 15 goals. However, this seems to be the beginning of his downfall. Arsenal fans became fond of Nasri, and were excited about things to come. At the end of the season, the billionaires of Manchester City came in for Samir Nasri and this tempted him.

After a summer of speculation and uncertainty, Nasri was still at the Emirates at the beginning of the season. He made his first appearance for Arsenal against Liverpool at the Emirates with doubt still hanging over his future.

As expected, a few Arsenal fans booed him. But most Gooners stuck by him and supported him. However, this turned out to be Nasri’s last appearance in an Arsenal shirt. Nasri made his move to Manchester City for £23million and his wages doubled.

He immediately lost the respect of Arsenal. His ego seemed to grow the past year, and after one impressive season he claimed that he joined the Manchester club to “win trophies”.

Nasri after joining Manchester City: “The (City) fans remind me of Marseille. Arsenal have good fans, but they are not that passionate since they moved from Highbury to the Emirates.

I remember when we lost 3-0 to City, the crowd was amazing, and that’s what I want. I’m here to play football and to enjoy it and to win titles.”

Since joining Manchester City, he hasn’t helped his cause. After City lifted the title in the final game of the season, Nasri jeered Arsenal: “Celebrate your third place achievement and I will focus on winning titles.”

Nasri decided to take another swipe at Arsenal before France’s opening Euro 2012 match against England. Once again, it was about City challenging for titles. Nasri said: “I’m glad I left because City are far more competitive and are winning titles, not dreaming about it.”

His latest controversy has been his foul-mouthed outburst at journalists following France’s exit from Euro 2012. In the mixed zone after the match, journalists were waiting for the French players. Nasri, at first, hastily walked past the journalists in the direction of the team bus, but he quickly came back and told the journalist: “You are looking for s***, you are looking for trouble. Go f*** yourself.”

Relations between Nasri and the French media were already tense before this exchange. Nasri told journalists to “Shh” during his celebration against England. Nasri is now potentially facing a two year ban from the National team following his antics at Euro 2012.

Personally, I dislike Nasri. Not because he left Arsenal, but because his attitude is among the worst in football. His ego grew at Arsenal during his last season. He got too big for the club. He saw himself as the star player and wanted a contract worthy of it.

I don’t know many fans that are fond of Samir, his career looked promising at first. However, he now finds himself on the Man City bench. For his own sake, he must change and soon, and I, for one really hopes he does.

Written by Otis MaloneyFollow me on Twitter @InAFCWeTrust

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