Samir Nasri was reportedly detained by police in connection with a money laundering case involving organized drug traffickers. According to Le Parisien newspaper, the former Arsenal and Manchester City midfielder was interrogated at the offices of the Paris judicial police’s Brigade for Financial Investigation and Research (BRIF).
Nasri was said to have remained in custody for about 10 hours before being released on Thursday night, but has not been charged at this stage. This is said to be part of an alleged relationship between convicted drug trafficker Hakim Berebou, who has been imprisoned since 2021, and his right-hand man Olivier Saba.
The report added that Mr. Nasri was specifically questioned regarding money laundering. His alleged relationship is said to be related to one of his activities as a former shareholder of the XS nightclub in Ivry-sur-Seine, Val-de-Marne.
Nasri grew up in Marseille and played at his hometown club from an early age, joining Arsenal in 2008.
He spent three seasons at the Emirates Stadium, initially becoming a fan favorite before his controversial move to Manchester City.
More than a decade later, Nasri is still not forgiven by many Arsenal fans who were furious at his sending off.
He remained at the Etihad Stadium until 2017, making 129 appearances for City and winning two Premier League titles before moving on loan to Sevilla and securing a permanent move to Turkish club Antalyaspor.
Nasri also played for West Ham United and Anderlecht before retiring in 2020.
At the time, he said: “What bothered me was that even though we made it to the final and were celebrating with the players, they insulted my mother.
“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 that happen, I’d quit watching television, I’d quit going to games.”
