Samir Nasri insists he was not unhappy at Arsenal, but had to join Man City because his former club could not compete.
Frenchman was not unhappy at Arsenal, but wants to win
Samir Nasri insists he was not unhappy at Arsenal, but had to join Manchester City because his former club could not compete for 'big trophies'.
Having left Emirates Stadium in the transfer window, the France international is expected to make his home debut for City in Saturday's Premier League match against Wigan.
In a summer when Cesc Fabregas joined Barcelona, Nasri, who has been passed fit despite a broken finger, has been criticised for joining City by some Arsenal fans and it has been suggested he moved for a pay rise.
But after making his initial City bow at Tottenham, the former Marseille star is adamant his determination to win a first major honour was the motivating factor and he did not believe Arsenal could compete.
"I hope titles," Nasri said in City's programme notes ahead of the match against Wigan when asked what would make him happy in his maiden season at the Etihad Stadium.
"I'm 24, everyone says I'm a good player, but I haven't won anything. I've played at a high level with Arsenal, but I have never won anything.
World class
"This year, one of Arsenal's best players (Fabregas) left as well. No-one has replaced him. When you join a team that has (Sergio) Aguero. (Carlos) Tevez, (David) Silva, (Vincent) Kompany, you are confident of winning trophies."
He added: "I wouldn't say I wasn't happy at Arsenal, but when you are at a big club you hope to win things. Arsenal brought in experienced players, but since the move to Emirates Stadium, the transfer policy has been a bit different.
"The young players have good qualities and, in the future, I think they can do something."
Nasri also believes Roberto Mancini's City will prove the greatest rivals to derby foes Manchester United this season, with the pair sat joint top of the Premier League after 100 per cent starts.
He said: "I think City can win one of the big trophies this season. I think we are the biggest challengers to United. Look at the investment over three seasons, you can see the squad has strength and quality players.
"World-class players are not scared to come here, you can see that with Sergio Aguero. So I'm confident."
