Nasri delighted to head north

New Manchester City signing Samir Nasri is confident he made the right decision to leave Arsenal.

All it took was one training session for the French midfielder to feel vindicated about his big-money switch to Manchester.

“I was really impressed because I trained with some big players,” Nasri told reporters on Friday of his first training session with the club.

“I was really happy to train with them. I saw some real quality. Now I know that I made the right choice.”

Nasri rejected suggestions that his move was money motivated, before clarifying comments he made on Arsenal’s supporters and their lack of passion at the Emirates Stadium, which opened in 2006, as opposed to the club’s former ground, Highbury.

“I’m happy to let people think what they want. I know my choice was about football. We’ll see at the end of the season when we lift the trophy, and we’ll talk about my choice again. And I’ll show everyone thinking about money that they were wrong.”

“We’re the biggest challengers for Manchester United. You saw the investments over the last three seasons. World-class players are not scared to come to Man City. I’m confident.”

“I never said Arsenal fans weren’t good supporters. I just said that I saw real passion when I signed here. When I signed for Arsenal it was a little bit different. Cesc Fabregas also said the difference between Highbury and the Emirates Stadium is the atmosphere. But don’t get me wrong, I never said Arsenal’s fans have a lack of passion.”

Nasri also found time to praise Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger for his help during his career to date.

“I will never forget what he did for me. He was like a second dad. He came to pick me when I was at Marseille,” Nasri told the club’s television station, CityTV.

“I was an international but I have become the player I am now because of him. He always trusted me even when I was injured. When I came back he always gave me my chance. He was always there for me, always talked to me.”

City boss Roberto Mancini was also present at the news conference and expressed his delight to finally have Nasri alongside him.

“I’m happy. Today I am happy because he is here,” Mancini said.

“I think Samir is a fantastic player. He’s a young player and this is very important for the club.”

The Italian was also quizzed on how he will rotate his squad, indicating that he may give preference to players who can attack and defend.

“I think that we can play with Nasri, Silva, Aguero, Balotelli, Tevez, Dzeko, all together in the same game.”

“I think that is really difficult. Samir is an attacking player but for the national team he plays like a midfielder in the three. Sometimes I think every player can attack and defend. It’s important they balance for the team.”