City-bound Nasri takes aim at Gooners

SAMIR NASRI finally completed his move from Arsenal to Manchester City last night and took a parting swipe at Gunners fans.

The France international signed a four-year contract at the Etihad Stadium to end a summer-long saga for a fee believed to be around £24 million.

Nasri had been in the final year of his Arsenal contract and, after he refused a new deal, the London club risked losing him on a free transfer next summer if they did not sell now.

The midfielder’s relationship with Arsenal supporters unravelled in recent weeks after it became clear the 24-year-old was determined to force through a move to Manchester City.

Nasri didn’t play in Arsenal’s in opening Premier league of the season, a scoreless draw at Newcastle, but was angered when it emerged Gunners fans had sung offensive songs about him at St James’ Park.

Nasri wrote on Twitter: “I heard what the fans were singing about me on saturday and it is really disrespectful because i’m still a arsenal player.”

The Frenchman was later alleged to have written on his Facebook page that he would leave the Emirates ‘‘with bitterness in my heart’’, a claim he denied.

But having finally completed his move, former Marseille star Nasri, who thanked Arsenal and Arsene Wenger on his Twitter page, hit out at Arsenal fans last night, claiming they lack ‘‘passion’’.

Asked his views on City’s fans, Nasri replied: “They are really passionate and it reminds me of Marseille. Arsenal have good fans but not that passionate since they moved from Highbury to the Emirates.’’

Nasri’s parting shot will irritate and baffle disgruntled Arsenal fans, given he joined the Gunners in 2008, two years after the club left Highbury.

Nasri though is now looking forward to a new start.

“It’s a big relief because it was a long, long negotiation between the two clubs and now I’m finally a City player. That’s what I wanted since the start so I’m really happy.’’

He added: “I am here to play football, to enjoy it and win titles.

“Manchester City is the club of the future, they want to win everything, they have a big, big project.’’

Nasri new employers are likely to be handed a tough introduction to life in the Champions League when the group stage draw takes place in Monaco today.

City are set to be among the third seeds, meaning the likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Inter Milan are all potential opponents.

Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal are top seeds so will avoid most of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Meanwhile, Chelsea have completed the signing of Valencia and Spain winger Juan Mata on a five-year deal.

The 23-year-old could make his debut in Saturday’s clash with Norwich and moves to Stamford Bridge for a reported fee of £23.5m.