World Cup: Didier Deschamps has no regrets over Samir Nasri snub

France coach Didier Deschamps has no regrets at having overlooked Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri for World Cup duty.

A man who has been capped on 41 occasions by his country was surprisingly left out of France’s 23-man squad on the back of a productive domestic campaign.

Nasri shone for City as they secured Premier League and Capital One Cup glory, but was unable to convince Deschamps that he was deserving of a seat on the plane to Brazil.

A failure to replicate his club form in a two-legged qualification play-off tie with Ukraine cost the 26-year-old his place, with Deschamps of the opinion that others offer more to the collective cause.

He told L’Equipe on his decision to snub Nasri: “I watched his matches. He has a level of performance for his club and another in the French team.

“Like any national team coach, I have important choices to make. Sporting criteria are important, but they are not everything.

“I must not have any regrets. I have made my decision and we move on.

“Did Nasri upset me? There are different characters and personalities. I don’t take into account rumours or what has happened in the past.

“I have called on all players since August 2012 and I have seen them all on the pitch and in and around the group.”