Saturday 24 December 2016 08:32, UK
Samir Nasri has claimed he did not have to join Sevilla on loan as Pep Guardiola wanted him to stay at Manchester City.
Nasri joined Sevilla on a season-long loan in August having spent the previous five campaigns at City following his move from Arsenal.
The 29-year-old believes he has found the "perfect" club after deciding it was time to move on from the Etihad Stadium.
"I had a good pre-season but needed a change," Nasri told Sevilla's official magazine. "Guardiola wanted me to stay.
"In my last season, I had many injuries and wanted to start something new, fresh. So I contacted other clubs but, when I heard Sevilla, I knew I needed to come here.
"If you know anything about football, you know that Sevilla has returned many players back to the top."
Nasri has impressed at the Spanish side, scoring three goals in 13 appearances in all competitions, and explained why joining Jorge Sampaoli's side was the right move.
"I also asked Jesus Navas, [David] Silva and Nolito about the club, the city, and everything was good," he added.
"I talked to Guardiola and he told me there is a great coach in [Sevilla assistant] Juanma Lillo.
"That was all I needed to know. It was perfect for me."
