Former Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri has announced his retirement from football at the age of 34.
Nasri made his name with Marseille before moving to Arsenal for a fee of £12million in 2008 where he worked under Arsene Wenger for three years.
The French international joined Manchester City in 2011 for £25m and helped the team win two Premier League titles and the FA Cup over six years with the club.
The former City star, who was most recently with Belgian side Anderlecht, confirmed his decision to retire in an interview with JDD.
He said: “It [move to Anderlecht] didn’t go as planned. Then the Championship was stopped because of the Covid. Afterwards, I didn’t necessarily want to [continue playing]. No challenge kicked me. And I couldn’t see myself coming back to France if it wasn’t for OM.”
In 2018 Nasri was handed an 18-month ban from UEFA after receiving an intravenous treatment at a Los Angeles clinic two years earlier in breach of World Anti-Doping Agency rules.
Speaking to French publication Le Journal du Dimanche Nasri revealed that the ban had played a part in his decision to retire as it had disrupted his career.
“An incident really hurt me and changed my relationship with football: my suspension. I found it more than unfair as I didn’t take any drugs,” he said.
“It was just an injection of vitamins because I was sick. It stopped me in my tracks.”
Of course, the announcement over Nasri ’s decision has got Man City fans talking. Here’s what some had to say on Twitter…
Peak Nasri was a different breed.
— Daedalus (@mvx_mcfc) September 26, 2021
Baller
— π (@xMcfc_oKx) September 26, 2021
City legend
— Thunder⚡🥶 (@Delap__SZN) September 26, 2021
Favourite City player of all time
— Wheezy F (@Wheezy_ef) September 26, 2021
Where did it all go wrong for him after 2014/2015
— MH ⁷💙🏴 (@7Mcfcmax) September 26, 2021
Always thought he could do more at city. Could of been amazing under pep. Never felt we fully saw the best of him again after ‘that’ free kick 🤦🏻♂️
— City Fan (@ManCity_FanView) September 26, 2021
What a player he was💙💙💙
— Gabby fan💙 (@michael05994510) September 26, 2021
