Manuel Pellegrini’s admiration for Samir Nasri hardly needs re-stating and it was always a given that he would become the first signing of the window from the day we were linked with him.But the manager understands he has spent time on the dark side after serving out a suspension on drugs charges and wants him to answer his critics in the best – indeed probably – the only way.
The news that he was to train at the club ahead of a possible short term contract with option was controversial given all the circumstances but there can be little question that if he returns to something like his best he could become a terrific signing.
Discussing his recent problems the boss told reporters: “I don’t want to talk about whether it was his fault or not his fault. He was involved.
“I have known Samir Nasri since I was at Manchester City. He was a top player in the first year, that’s one of the reasons we won the title was because of him.
After that, a lot of young players made a lot of mistakes, I am not talking about why he was banned, I am talking about different mistakes in the year I was there, but knowing him and after speaking to him for a long time about what he was thinking about for the future, I decided to give him an option here at West Ham.
He worked very hard to be considered and now that’s why he has signed his contract and now he has to demonstrate it on the pitch. But mentally, he is another player with a lot of experience.”
“The best way to do it (deal with criticism of breaking anti doping rules) is with the performance.
Nasri has spoken of his desire to achieve things over the rest of the season and asked if this was his last chance the manager said: “I suppose. He is just 31 years old so he can play four or five years more without any problems.”
“He must demonstrate it with his performances. He is a player whose value would be a lot of money. I trust in him, that’s why he is here.”
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