I was at Arsenal but moved to Man City because their fans are ‘more passionate’ – I got attacked on return to Emirates

HE’S the legend whose controversial switch from one Premier League giant to another turned ugly at his old hunting ground… AFTER he retired.

Samir Nasri had deepened the discontent from Arsenal fans over his move to Manchester City in 2011 by claiming Etihad supporters were “more passionate”.

Canal+Frenchman Samir Nasri was covering Arsenal vs Man City for home country TV channel Canal+ when trouble flared[/caption]

Nasri returned with City but later got an angry reaction as a punditThe FA – Getty Images

But nothing excused the reception he got back at the Emirates last October on the day Gabriel Martinelli earned the Gunners their first win over City for nine years.

An Arsenal fan was seen throwing punches at fellow home supporters, as well as hurling abuse at the 36-year-old.

One observer claimed the angry man was trying to reach the French playmaker.

But the reaction online afterwards arguably showed some of football’s problems in an even worse light.

A few keyboard warriors claimed Nasri “deserved” such hostile treatment at the Emirates.

Others, however, hit back with posts like: “Violence is never the answer.”

Nasri had been a popular midfielder in his three years at Arsenal under iconic manager Arsene Wenger.

And his 125 stylish appearances brought 27 goals plus 15 assists.

But Nasri won just the League Cup with the Gunners before big-spending City swooped for £25million.

Already aggrieved by Nasri’s decision, Emirates supporters were agitated further by his explanation.

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The ex-Marseille star said: “Arsenal have good fans but not that passionate since they moved from Highbury.

“City fans are really passionate. When we played against City, the crowd was amazing. That’s what I want.”

Nasri went on to win the Prem under Roberto Mancini – then the top-flight again and the League Cup after Manuel Pellegrini replaced the Italian in June 2013.

But his career petered out via a loan spell with Sevilla plus permanent stints at Antalyaspor, West Ham and Anderlecht.