SAMIR Nasri was one of the most exciting young players in the world, during his spell with Arsenal.
He has now retired after a string of failed attempts to resurrect his career. Here’s what we know about the former French international.
Samir Nasri played for Arsenal, Manchester City and West Ham during his time in the Premier League
Who did Samir Nasri play for?
After starting his career at Marseille, Nasri signed for Premier League side Arsenal in 2008.
Nasri scored on his debut for the club in a 1-0 win against West Brom at the Emirates in August 2008.
The highlight of his first season saw Nasri score two goals against Manchester United in a 2-1 win.
The season ultimately ended in disappointment for the Frenchman, with Arsenal exiting in the semi-finals of the Champions League and the FA Cup, and finishing fourth in the premier League.
A third place finish followed in the 2009/10 season, but a poor season by the midfielder saw him miss out on a place in France’s World Cup squad in 2010.
2010/11 was a resurgence in form for Nasri, scoring 15 goals in all competitions, including a stunning brace in a 2-1 victory over Fulham at the Emirates.
Nasri joined Manchester City for £25million in August 2011.
He scored vital goals against Tottenham and Chelsea, as Manchester City won the 2011/12 Premier League title on goal difference ahead of Manchester United.
The following season was less successful. City beat Chelsea to win the Community Shield in August 2012, but they failed to retain their title, and lost the 2013 FA Cup final to Wigan Athletic in one of the cup’s biggest ever shocks.
Manuel Pellegrini replaced Roberto Mancini as manager ahead of the 2013/14 season, and Nasri appeared to be back to his best.
He scored and was named man of the match in the 2014 League Cup final, as Manchester City beat Sunderland 3-1, and scored the opening goal on the final day of the season in a 2-0 win against West Ham, which helped City regain the Premier League.
His final two seasons at the club were marred by injuries, and he was loaned out to Sevilla following the arrival of Pep Guardiola.
Nasri made 41 appearances for the French national team, scoring five times, including a goal against England at Euro 2012 in a 1-1 draw.
What happened to Samir Nasri?
After a season with Sevilla, Nasri moved to Antalyaspor on a permanent deal in 2017.
He returned to the Premier League with West Ham in the 2018/19 season, most notably assisting Declan Rice in a 1-0 win against former club Arsenal.
Where is Samir Nasri now?
Nasri retired from football after a short spell at Belgian side Anderlecht.
He has been seen playing in charity matches since his retirement, including for Marseille legends in 2021 alongside Didier Drogba.