Nasri wowed by City's crowd

Published Aug. 25, 2011 1:15 p.m. ET

foxsports

The 24-year-old France international claims to have already been struck by an enthusiasm from supporters he did not experience in north London. On Wednesday, Nasri completed his protracted move from the Gunners to City by signing a four-year contract at the Etihad Stadium. "I can see they are really passionate and it reminds me a little bit of Marseille," Nasri told City TV after posing for photographs at Eastlands. "Arsenal have good fans but not that passionate since they moved from Highbury to the Emirates (Stadium). "I remember when we played against City, when we lost 3-0, the crowd was amazing. "That is what I want. When you play football, it is for a good atmosphere." Nasri was entering the final year of his Arsenal contract and the Gunners reluctantly decided to cash in after the former Marseille player made clear his desire to leave. City appear to have spent most of the summer pursuing the deal and the player himself is pleased his future is now settled. He added: "It is a big relief, it was a long negotiation and discussion between the two clubs. "Finally I am a City player and that is what I wanted since the start, so I am really happy. "I was a little bit frustrated, I said to the manager I wanted to leave. "I wanted to do the pre-season with Manchester so I could know a little bit more about my team-mates. "It was frustrating but it is a new start and I am looking forward to doing it." Nasri, who scored 15 goals last season, could now make his City debut in this Sunday's Premier League encounter at Tottenham. He is City's fourth major signing of the summer transfer window following the club record £38million purchase of Sergio Aguero and the arrivals of defenders Stefan Savic and Gael Clichy. It remains to be seen how Roberto Mancini will best deploy his latest acquisition in a side already brimming with exciting talent. Mancini said: "He's a player maybe like David Silva but the difference from David is he can play also in the middle. "Samir can play like a midfielder but he can play also near the striker because he has technique, he can score, he can assist." When asked if Nasri and Spain playmaker Silva can play together, Mancini added: "Yes. They can play one left and one right. "They are not wingers but David starts always like a winger and then goes in the middle, plays where the ball is, near the striker." Arsenal had been reluctant to part company with one of their prized assets - particularly so soon after losing former captain Cesc Fabregas - but Nasri's determination to leave appears to have forced their hand. The London club at least seem to have made a profit on the player they signed from his hometown Marseille for £15.8million in 2008. A fee has not been disclosed but it is believed to be around the £24million mark.