Samir Nasri reveals he chose Arsenal over Lyon move in 2008

Appearing as a guest on the show “Zack en roue libre” tonight, former French international midfielder Samir Nasri notably looks back on his departure from Marseille in 2008, explaining that he turned down a higher offer from Lyon in order to sign for Arsenal.

Nasri, now a pundit for French broadcaster Canal+, explains that representatives of Les Gones, who at that time were seven-time reigning French champions, had met with him – including club legend Bernard Lacombe and manager Rémi Garde:

“We spoke, and their contract offer was better than Arsenal’s. But I couldn’t go to Lyon. I’m from Marseille, I couldn’t do that.”

The 35-year-old reveals that he even extended his contract with Marseille before leaving for England, in order to avoid leaving on a free. He adds that on accepting the offer from Arsenal – where he would stay for three seasons before leaving for Manchester City – he had received a call from Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas, who put in one final offer – which was again rejected by the midfielder.

GFFN | Raphaël Jucobin



Source link

About Author