• Premier League

Lack of ambition forced me out - Nasri

ESPN staff
August 25, 2011
Samir Nasri was paraded as a Manchester City player on Wednesday © Getty Images
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Samir Nasri admits joining Manchester City is a risk, but says Arsenal's lack of ambition in the transfer market made his mind up to leave London.

The France international completed a move to Manchester City on Wednesday, with Arsenal finally admitting defeat in their determined bid to keep him at the club. Nasri made clear to the Gunners that he had no interest in extending a contract that was set to expire in summer 2012, despite a rumoured offer of £90,000 a week.

Reports suggest Nasri is now earning double that amount at the Etihad Stadium, leading to claims that his move away from Arsenal was financially motivated - but he says the biggest factor was Arsenal's inactivity in the transfer market.

The Gunners had lost several senior players this summer - Denilson, Gael Clichy, Emmanuel Eboue and Cesc Fabregas - prior to Nasri's exit, with only Gervinho arriving as a ready-made first-team replacement.

"Why did I not sign a new contract with Arsenal? We started talking in October but by June I did not have any news and I didn't see anything happening in the transfer market," Nasri told L'Equipe. "There comes a time when you have to invest.

"I have heard people say I have moved for money. I make a good living at City, that is true, but I am 24 years old and I have reached a turning point in my career and it was important that I joined a club with ambition. I believe I have more chance of winning titles at Manchester City than at Arsenal."

Nasri has hinted that life became too easy for him at Arsenal, three years after he joined the club from Marseille. He began last season in fine fashion, looking a leading candidate for the Player of the Year award, but faded in the final months as Arsenal's season came off the rails.

"When did I make my decision? Early in July, when we returned for pre-season. I told the coach that I wanted to leave," Nasri said. "Is it a risk joining Manchester City? You have to take risks in life. I am not afraid to do so.

"There is a big squad here but competition is good, it makes you push yourself and stops you from becoming stale. Was that the case at Arsenal? Maybe."

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