Samir Nasri‘s relationship with Arsenal remains strained over a decade after his acrimonious departure.

The former midfielder made his feelings clear during an interview with Canal Plus, revealing an order of loyalty that places the Gunners squarely at the bottom.

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 21: Samir Nasri (R) of Arsenal celebrates with teammates Marouane Chamakh (L) and Henri Lansbury (C) after scoring his team's third goal from the penalty spot during the Carling Cup third round match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at White Hart Lane on September 21, 2010 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 21: Samir Nasri (R) of Arsenal celebrates with teammates Marouane Chamakh (L) and Henri Lansbury (C) after scoring his team’s third goal from the penalty spot during the Carling Cup third round match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at White Hart Lane on September 21, 2010 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Nasri’s loyalty rankings

When asked about his allegiances and who he’d support in hypothetical matches, Nasri’s choices were revealing. If Manchester City faced Arsenal, he’d choose City. And if City faced hometown club Marseille? “Marseille, always Marseille,” declared the Frenchman.

Arsenal are firmly his last priority.

These comments are unlikely to appease Arsenal fans who still feel the sting of his 2011 transfer to Manchester City. While success followed him there, his legacy at the Emirates remains controversial.

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Samir Nasri: From Arsenal hero to villain

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - MARCH 02: Gael Clichy (R) of Arsenal celebrates with team mate Samir Nasri (L) after scoring his sides fifth goal during the FA Cup sponsored by E.ON 5th Round Replay match between between Arsenal and Leyton Orient at the Emirates Stadium on March 2, 2011 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – MARCH 02: Gael Clichy (R) of Arsenal celebrates with team mate Samir Nasri (L) after scoring his sides fifth goal during the FA Cup sponsored by E.ON 5th Round Replay match between between Arsenal and Leyton Orient at the Emirates Stadium on March 2, 2011 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Samir Nasri‘s time at Arsenal is a tale of both brilliance and betrayal in the eyes of some fans. He arrived from Marseille in 2008 and quickly became a fan favourite with his technical wizardry and was dubbed “Little Zidane.” However, a contract dispute and the lure of Manchester City’s riches saw him leave under a cloud in 2011.

Many Arsenal fans perceived the move as a betrayal, prioritising money over the club that had nurtured him. His exit, along with Cesc Fabregas that same summer, deepened the sense of disillusionment.

This animosity peaked in 2012 when an irate fan confronted Nasri on live television, accusing him of “selling his soul.”

His time at Arsenal has left a lasting wound.

Nasri’s perspective

Manchester City's Spanish manager Pep Guardiola talks to Manchester City's French midfielder Samir Nasri (L) on August 28, 2016. (Photo credit should read OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
Manchester City’s Spanish manager Pep Guardiola talks to Manchester City’s French midfielder Samir Nasri (L) on August 28, 2016. (Photo credit should read OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

Nasri has always defended his move, emphasising his desire to win trophies, which he did. Two Premier League titles followed along with a League Cup.

He felt he had outgrown Arsenal, though his comments often lacked empathy for fans’ sense of betrayal.

Lingering grudge

Nasri’s latest interview confirms that any lingering affection he may have held for Arsenal has eroded. For Gunners fans, the feeling is likely mutual. His controversial departure, amplified by the choice of rivals, remains a reminder of painful chapter in the club’s history.

The wounds may have healed slightly with time, but the scars are clearly still visible.

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