Samir Nasri has revealed he came close to joining Manchester United from Arsenal in the summer of 2011.
The midfielder met with Sir Alex Ferguson in his native France to discuss a possible move, while City also monitored his availability.
But Nasri says he opted against moving to Old Trafford because he was asked to “go to war” with the Gunners in a bid to force through a move, and instead decided to join City after being barraged by phone calls from Roberto Mancini.
“We met with Sir Alex in Paris, in a hidden place, out of sight, so as not to fuel the rumours,” he told BeIn Sports.
“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.”
Nasri has since won two Premier League titles and one League Cup at the Etihad Stadium
