‘If you want to win trophies, you have to come here’ – Patrice Evra admits attempts to convince Arsenal’s Samir Nasri to join Manchester United during summer break

The 30-year-old reiterates his belief that United offer his French colleague the best opportunity of silverware and claims a move to rivals City would be money motivated

By Liam Twomey

Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has once again urged Arsenal’s Samir Nasri to join him at Old Trafford, saying only United can offer the Gunners star the trophies to match his talent.


Nasri has been heavily linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium this summer after refusing to sign an extension to his current deal, which has one year left to run.

It is currently unclear whether Arsenal would rather sell their prized asset for a reasonable fee this summer or allow him to leave for free in 12 months’ time, but United and Manchester City represent the likeliest destinations for the 24-year-old should the Gunners elect to cash in now.

Evra has urged Nasri to move to Old Trafford before and, with his France team-mate thought to be closer to making a firm decision on his future, the 30-year-old reiterated his stance.

"I've talked a lot with him in the holidays and told him how great it is to play for Manchester United and how important it would be for him to become one of the biggest players in the world,” Evra told reporters.

"I remember I made that little joke saying that he's a prince now but if he wants to be the king then he has to join Man United.

"But that's the reality - and I've told him that. I said, 'If you want to win trophies, you have to come here'.

"In five years I've won 12 trophies and I don't know if I'd have won more than that with another club. So I just told him the truth.
"I don't know how negotiations are at the moment but he has a lot of clubs interested in him and he has to think.

"I just told him how good it would be for him coming here. He will have a nice welcome and I can help as well because I'm French.

"We've spoken a lot in the summer and also when we met up for friendly games with France at the end of the season. It was looking interesting but I don't know, we'll have to see."

However, United’s bitter local rivals City are also firmly in the race to sign Nasri, and their considerable financial resources mean they may be willing to match Arsenal’s valuation of the player, thought to be at least £25 million.

But Evra believes that to turn down the chance to win trophies at Old Trafford in favour of a move to City would be absurd, and hinted any such decision would indicate a preference for money over glory on Nasri’s part.

"If he goes to City it's his choice,” he added. “But I know, as a player, if I have Manchester United and Manchester City, I'd go straight away for United.

"It can be for the money. But I'd prefer to go for the glory. He said it's a privilege a club like United want him but he has to think about his future and talk with his agent."