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Samir Nasri has revealed that he spurned the chance to move to Manchester United because he was told to 'go to war' with Arsenal to force the transfer.
The 27 year-old midfielder moved to Manchester City in 2011 after Arsenal accepted a £25m bid for him.
But the former Marseille star said that he came close to joining City's rivals after a clandestine meeting with Sir Alex Ferguson in France.
He told Bein Sport: "We met with Sir Alex in Paris, in a hidden place, out of sight, so as not to fuel the rumours."
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"But there was one thing that was a problem; I was asked to go to war with Arsenal to be able to join. I could not see myself doing it, especially with Arsene Wenger.
He added: "After Man City showed their interest. Mancini called me every day during the holidays. I then decided that they really wanted me."
