Samir Nasri declared that Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke forced the club to sell him, The Mirror reported on Monday.

The Frenchman, who was sold to Manchester City in the summer of 2011 in a £24 million move, claimed that Arsene Wenger was put under pressure to make the sell by Kroenke.

“Wenger told me that, if Cesc [Fabregas] left, I would stay but Kroenke wanted the money,” said the 25-year-old midfielder.

He defended Wenger, who he said is “the greatest coach I have worked with”.

“[Arsene Wenger] made me who I am. I am very grateful. I only regret not having more discussions with him before I left.”

The midfielder insisted that he does not regret his move to the Etihad, which he stated was “purely for sporting reasons”.

“When you compare Arsenal and City, it’s not the same. With City, I’m playing in a better team. I didn’t leave [Arsenal] for money."

After playing a vital role in City’s league title last year, Nasri has been criticised by Citizens’ manager Mancini for “playing at 50 per cent” this season.

After his exceptional outing in Saturday’s 4-0 victory over Newcastle, the player admitted: “I am aware that I am not having a good season. There are many reasons. But when Mancini said that I am training at 50 per cent, this is not true.”

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