Samir Nasri has revealed that Pep Guardiola wanted him to stay at the club for the 2016/17 season, before the Frenchman headed out on loan to Sevilla.
Nasri’s loan move to the Andalusian side was confirmed on Deadline day, mere days after the City No.8 came off the bench as City beat West Ham 3-1 at the Etihad on Saturday.
After the game, Guardiola outlined his intentions to keep Nasri and discussed his situation.
PEP: “Samir Nasri can stay. His quality is another level. It depends on him. If he wants to help us and stay to be part of something.”
— City Watch (@City_Watch) August 28, 2016
Many held the belief that Guardiola was looking to get rid of Nasri, the player has confirmed that Pep and City wanted to keep him at the club, but he chose to leave on loan to play for Jorge Sampaoli’s side.
Speaking at his unveiling, he is quoted by ESPN as saying:
On the contrary. Until the last stages, Pep tried to convince me to stay and said I would play.Until the last minute, they wouldn’t let me go, they wouldn’t open the door to my departure. I had it clear in my mind that I needed to leave because I wanted to go to a place where I felt loved and where I would find my level. I needed a familiar club that would give me affection and Sevilla can do that.
The former Marseille and Arsenal man had his fair share of injury problems last season, limiting his contribution to the team. He feels he is in the right condition to make a real difference for his new club.
Last year was difficult for me because I couldn’t play much and I hope to do the best this year. The time that I was injured allowed me to consider what I wanted and I’ve come here to win. I have learned a lot this year.
