Samir Nasri denies accusing Arsenal fans of lacking passion in Manchester City unveiling

Posted Saturday, August 27, 2011 by YAHOO Sport

New Manchester City signing Samir Nasri has denied suggesting that Arsenal supporters lack passion.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday following his move from the Gunners this week, the Frenchman said he was highlighting the difference between the Emirates Stadium and Highbury, not criticizing the club's fans.

"You [media] get that wrong. I never said Arsenal fans were not good, I just said I saw a real passion when I signed here. When I signed [with] Arsenal it was a little bit different and that's the only thing I said," he said.

"Cesc said as well that the difference between Highbury and the Emirates Stadium is the atmosphere, but don't get me wrong I never said Arsenal fans have a lack of passion."

The former Arsenal man also said he was pleased by what he saw in his first training session with City and believes the club is well placed to be successful with its current squad.

"I was really impressed, because I trained with big players, and I was really happy to train with them. I saw a real quality, now I know that I made the right choice," he said.

"I am confident because, like I said, I saw the quality on the pitch and when I spoke to you [media], it was the presentation, and I told you it was the club of the future, and I'm still convinced of that and we will talk about it at the end of the season."

Nasri also expressed his excitement at the upcoming Champions League campaign, which will see the club face Bayern Munich, Villarreal and Napoli in the group stage.

"It's a tough group, especially when we will have to go to play in Napoli, we know the atmosphere there. Bayern Munich is a big team as well, Villarreal as well but we know our quality and we can go through," he said.

Nasri's new manager, Roberto Mancini, conveyed his delight at finally getting his hands on a player he had wanted whilst managing Inter.

"Today I am happy because he is here, but I think that Samir is a fantastic player, he is a young player and he is very important for the squad, for the club," Mancini said. "He knows the Premier League very well. I wanted him when I was in Inter but [it] was really difficult. I met him five years later but it is important now he is here."

When pushed on whether Nasri could play on Sunday against Tottenham, Mancini said, "It's possible, because he's fit, he worked with Arsenal for a month so it's possible."