• Premier League

Nasri wasting his potential, says Mancini

Former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini believes that Samir Nasri is throwing away his chance at becoming a world-class player.

Mancini brought Nasri, 26, to City three years ago during his time as manager there, but was left disappointed by the big-money signing from Arsenal.

Sacked as City boss in May of last year, Mancini explained his frustrations in French magazine So Foot Junior.

"Samir is a player who has incredible qualities but a productivity that bears no comparison with his talent," Mancini said.

"He didn't understand that you always have to give your best."

Nasri was not included in the France squad for their last friendly against Netherlands in March, and Mancini feels that Les Bleus boss Didier Deschamps is unlikely to recall him for this summer's World Cup.

"It really pains me. I did everything so that he'd come [to Manchester City] and he settled for the minimum," Mancini said.

"He's a player who has the ability not to be a good player but to be a world-class player. What a pity that he won't even play in the World Cup."

Nasri, who scored a late equaliser for City in the 2-2 draw against Sunderland on Wednesday, made his feelings about Mancini clear earlier this season.

Prior to the League Cup final in February, Nasri hinted he didn't believe Mancini trusted him last season, and that his manager did not make him feel "important".

"The manager [Pellegrini] has been great," Nasri had said. "From the first training session, he told me exactly what he wanted from me.

"I really like the way he talks to me and made me feel important again. And after that I go out on the pitch and try everything because he trusts you, so you have to do everything for him."

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