Samir Nasri has voiced his frustration at having to sit out Manchester City’s Champions League clash with PSG because he was not included in the squad for the knockout stages of the Champions League by manager Manuel Pellegrini.
The Frenchman had no issues with Pellegrini’s decision to axe him from the squad as he faced a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
But having returned sooner than expected following surgery on a serious thigh injury last October, and scored the winner in a 2-1 home defeat of the Baggies, Nasri admits he would have relished facing his countrymen.
PSG head to the Etihad Stadium for the second leg of their quarter-final tie this week after a compelling 2-2 draw in France last Wednesday.
“It was something I was really okay with,” said Nasri of his Champions League exclusion, which allowed striker Kelechi Iheanacho to be added.
“When I had surgery the target was to maybe play one game before the end of the season.
“We are five weeks ahead of schedule, so I am just happy to be there, playing and to help the team. The only thing is it is PSG and I am from Marseille. That is like United against us.
“But that is just about it. I am going to be with the team and try to help them. It is something historic and you need to think about the big picture, that to be in the last four in Europe is something major.”
Nasri’s prime emotions at the moment are of happiness and relief after making such a successful return to the side.
He did feature as a substitute at Bournemouth last week but his 90-minute appearance on Saturday was his first start since September and only his third of the season.
“It felt amazing,” the 28-year-old said. “I was a bit tired by the end of the game but the fact I started and played again was just great.”
Nasri looked one of City’s livelier players in what was a subdued performance after Pellegrini made five changes for the return to Barclays Premier League action.
City had to come from behind after Stephane Sessegnon fired a superb sixth-minute opener and then, after Sergio Aguero’s penalty and Nasri’s 66th-minute tap-in turned the game, hang on.
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