Despite an illustrious career that saw him star for sides like Marseille, Arsenal, and Manchester City, Samir Nasri still holds one major career regret
Former Arsenal and Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri has revealed what he considers to be one of the greatest regrets of his illustrious career, expressing his disappointment at not being able to achieve a career dream.
Nasri, who earned 41 caps for the French national team, scoring five goals and providing five assists, reflected on his time with Les Bleus. While he featured in France's Euro 2008 campaign, he never had the opportunity to participate in a World Cup tournament, despite his contributions to the national team.
Missed Opportunity in 2014 for Nasri
Recalling the qualifying playoff match against Ukraine for the 2014 World Cup, Nasri admitted his poor performance but believed his form with Manchester City that season warranted his inclusion in the squad for Brazil. Expressing his disappointment at not being selected, Nasri emphasized that missing out on the chance to represent his country on the world stage was a significant regret in his career.
Nasri told Canal Plus, "I was bad in the first leg of the play-off match in Ukraine, but based on the 2014 season with Manchester City, I should have gone to Brazil, every day of the week."
Nasri stopped supporting France after World Cup snub
The snub from then-manager Didier Deschamps left Nasri disheartened, to the extent that he found it difficult to support the French national team. Nasri candidly expressed his disillusionment, stating that during that period, he could not genuinely claim to be a supporter of Les Bleus, highlighting the emotional toll of the situation.
Nasri added, “I wasn’t a Bleus supporter at that time. When you are a player and you’re available for selection, whoever says he supports Les Bleus is a hypocrite.”
Nasri eyes future in football management
Despite his disappointment, Nasri has shifted his focus towards a potential future in football management. Currently serving as a consultant on Canal Plus Foot, Nasri has expressed his desire to transition into coaching, showcasing his enduring passion for the sport.
Samir Nasri's revelation sheds light on the personal struggles and regrets faced by even the most accomplished footballers. As he continues to pursue his aspirations in the world of football, Nasri's candid reflection serves as a reminder of the complex emotions and challenges inherent in the beautiful game.
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