Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini shrugs off Arsene Wenger criticism over speaking about Arsenal playmaker Samir Nasri

Accused of tapping up Nasri, Mancini explained his comments, clarifying that he was only answering questions posed to him about the Frenchman.

Jul 16, 2011 11:59:00 PM

By Zac Lee Rigg

More On :  Arsenal, Manchester City, Samir Nasri
Samir Nasri, Arsenal
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SAN FRANCISCO – Manchester City coach Roberto Mancini clarified comments he had made about Arsenal playmaker Samir Nasri following a preseason friendly against Club America. The Italian explained that he was answering specific questions posed to him.

“The question was involving [certain] players,” Mancini said. “I also said Nasri is under contract.”

With Nasri's contract entering its final year and the Frenchman unwilling to sign an extension, a host of clubs are interested in signing the 24-year-old, including Manchester City. But with Arsenal on the defensive, with captain Cesc Fabregas angling for a move away as well, Arsene Wenger has taken to hitting out at those speaking publicly about his players.

Earlier this summer, Wenger criticized Xavi for discussing Fabregas' mooted move to Barcelona, claiming that the situation didn't concern Xavi. And when responding to Mancini, Wenger pointed out that discussing other team's players is against the rules.

“I think the comments are not allowed,” Wenger said to reporters in China, where Arsenal is on its preseason tour. “They are against the basic rules of football and he should be informed. This comment is absolutely out of order but I don't give it more importance than that.”

Following his side's 2-0 win over Club America, Mancini was asked about the situation. Previously, the Italian coach had mentioned Nasri and Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero. The Argentinian could replace his countryman, Carlos Tevez, who has submitted a transfer request at City.

“I said only that Nasri and Aguero are good players, and I said also that Nasri is under contract with Arsenal at the moment,” Mancini explained.

Nick Rosano contributed additional reporting to this article.

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