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Nasri to debut for City versus Spurs

Comment: 0 August 25th, 2011 by: admin

NO more frustration for Samir Nasri. Relief is here at last.

The French midfielder officially joined Manchester City on Wednesday after passing the medical, ending his long agony from finally leaving Arsenal.

After his 24-million pound (US41 million) switch to the Eastlands side was sealed, Nasri could be fielded into action by City boss Roberto Mancini for his club debut when they visit Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

The 24-year-old playmaker endured weeks of waiting as Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger fought to keep him at Emirates but to no avail.

Now that he has found a new team to play for, Nasri is looking forward to having a new start.

“It’s a big relief. To be at City is what I wanted from the start. I’m really happy,’’ he told the City website.

Nasri also revealed that Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira, now City’s football development executive, played a big part in his decision to link up with City.

Vieira advised Nasri that Manchester City is the place to be and the latter heeded the call.

“Patrick told me City is the club of the future and that they want to win everything. Patrick is a legend in France and when a player like him tells you that, it is easy to follow,’’ Nasri said.

The cat-quick midfielder also lauded City fans for being more passionate than Arsenal backers who were angered by his decision to leave the Emirates.

“Arsenal have good fans but not so passionate,’’ he said, adding he will be in City to play and win titles, “not for the sun or things like that.’’

Mancini is likely to unleash Nasri against the Spurs as they travel to White Hart Lane for their next league match. Mancini said he has known Nasri when he played for Marseille and has followed the midfielder when he was at Inter.

The Italian boss added Nasri has improved a lot while playing in the Premier League in the last few years, calling him a “fantastic player’’ who has technique and mentality.

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