Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri has revealed he rejected the chance to join Manchester United before opting to sign for their rivals Man City from Arsenal.

Nasri completed a controversial £24million from the Emirates to the Etihad Stadium, a move that Arsenal fans have struggled to forgive him for, but, speaking to BeIn Sports, Nasri revealed it could've been Old Trafford if he had gone along with Sir Alex Ferguson's request:

"We met with Sir Alex in Paris, in a hidden place, out of sight, so as not to fuel the rumours.

"But there was one thing that was a problem; I was asked to go to war with Arsenal to be able to join. I could not see myself doing it, especially with Arsene Wenger.

"After Man City showed their interest. Mancini called me every day during the holidays. I then decided that they really wanted me."

"Manchester City was the first club to show interest.

"I had some doubts about the evolution of the club. Then I thought they really wanted me. They were about to sign [Sergio] Aguero and there was already [David] Silva, [Mario] Balotelli, [Carlos] Tevez.

"I had a discussion with my agents. They asked me if I wanted to make history or be a player like any other at United.

"I said "Go ahead". I won the title in my first season, so my choice was the right one."

Nasri, who joined Arsenal from Ligue 1 outfit Marseille in the summer of 2008, has made 109 Premier League appearances for Man City bagging 14 goals and 27 assists during that time.

The Frenchman will face his former manager and employers this Sunday when Arsenal make the trip to the Etihad Stadium to face Manuel Pellegrini's side in the late Sunday kick-off - a win for Nasri and his team-mates would see Man City extend their lead of Arsenal to 14 points.