Arsenal face French giants Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest on Saturday night, but it has now been revealed that one of their former star players will not serve as a commentator for the match, despite previously announcing
Nasri subjected to abuse during PSG’s Champions League semi-final match against Bayern Munich (Image: Getty Images)
Former Arsenal star Samir Nasri has withdrawn from his role as commentator for the Champions League final after being abused by PSG fans. The Gunners are set to take on the French giants in Budapest on Saturday as they continue their quest for their first Champions League title.
Nasri, who played 125 games for the North London side between 2008 and 2011, was previously confirmed as a pundit by French channel Canal+. However, it was announced that he would not play the role after reportedly being verbally abused by a PSG fan during the semi-final match against Bayern Munich.
Speaking to L’Equipe, the player said: “Yes, that’s true. But being insulted by the Paris fans is part of the game as a former Marseille player…even though I think they had other things to do, like celebrate reaching the final (smiles).”
He added: “What bothered me was that they insulted my mother. So there’s no reason why I won’t go to Budapest for the final.
“This isn’t the first time I’ve been insulted in a stadium, and it certainly won’t be the last. And if I let it happen, I’d stop being on TV, I’d stop going to games.
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“It’s PSG versus Arsenal. Rather than having a neutral person like me on the committee, it would be better to have Roberto Pires, a die-hard Gunners fan, and David Ginola, a die-hard PSG fan, on the committee. Arsenal is my former club, but I don’t have a special relationship with their supporters.”
Nasri’s decision to resign came just weeks after he predicted his former team Arsenal would lose in the final. He said: “With what PSG are doing, I think they are the favorites to win. Arsenal, on the other hand, will be in their favorite position. They will wait for PSG. But I am looking at PSG.”
Nasri has declined to act as a pundit due to his relationship with PSG supporters, but it is unlikely that the Frenchman will receive a warm response from Arsenal fans. His move from the Emirates to Manchester City in 2011 was controversial.
Nasri decided to miss the Champions League final (Image: Getty Images)
In a speech at the time, he claimed that his decision was driven by a desire for major silverware, not money. He said: “Manchester City didn’t offer me triple the money I was making at Arsenal. Arsenal also offered me an extension.
“A title, I hope. I’m 24 years old and everyone says I’m a good player, but I haven’t won anything. I loved my time at Arsenal, but I’ve never won anything with Arsenal. This year Arsenal’s best player, Fabregas, left. If you go into a team with Aguero, Silva, Tevez, Kompany and the rest, you have to be confident of winning trophies. I have four years to win one.”
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