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      I was at Arsenal but moved to Man City because their fans are ‘more passionate’ – I got attacked on return to Emirates

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      HE’S the legend whose controversial switch from one Premier League giant to another turned ugly at his old hunting ground… AFTER he retired.Samir Nasri had deepened the discontent from Arsenal fans over his move to Manchester City in 2011 by claiming Etihad supporters were “more passionate”.Frenchman Samir Nasri was covering Arsenal vs Man City for home country TV channel Canal+ when trouble flaredCredit: Canal+Nasri returned with City but later got an angry reaction as a punditCredit: The FA – Getty ImagesBut nothing excused the reception he got back at the Emirates last October on the day Gabriel Martinelli earned the Gunners their first win over City for nine years.An Arsenal fan was seen throwing punches at fellow home supporters, as well as hurling abuse at the 36-year-old.One observer claimed the angry man was trying to reach the French playmaker.But the reaction online afterwards arguably showed some of football’s problems in an even worse light.A few keyboard warriors claimed Nasri “deserved” such hostile treatment at the Emirates.Others, however, hit back with posts like: “Violence is never the answer.”Nasri had been a popular midfielder in his three years at Arsenal under iconic manager Arsene Wenger.And his 125 stylish appearances brought 27 goals plus 15 assists.Most read in FootballBut Nasri won just the League Cup with the Gunners before big-spending City swooped for £25million.Already aggrieved by Nasri’s decision, Emirates supporters were agitated further by his explanation.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe ex-Marseille star said: “Arsenal have good fans but not that passionate since they moved from Highbury.”City fans are really passionate. When we played against City, the crowd was amazing. That’s what I want.”I went to Arsenal clash wearing nothing but body paint – it almost ended in disaster when it started drippingNasri went on to win the Prem under Roberto Mancini – then the top-flight again and the League Cup after Manuel Pellegrini replaced the Italian in June 2013.But his career petered out via a loan spell with Sevilla plus permanent stints at Antalyaspor, West Ham and Anderlecht. More

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      I was an Arsenal youth star but struggled to get first team football – I left and became a Man City cult hero

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      PAUL DICKOV is the type of cult hero Manchester City hoped they would never need.Because he’s the ex-Arsenal youth who saved City from remaining in the THIRD TIER during their darkest, daftest days of the 1990s – with a stoppage-time Wembley goal.Paul Dickov helped Man City climb back from the the third tier to the PremCredit: GettyThe frontman was just a bit-part player at first club ArsenalCredit: RexAnd even Dickov wonders if Sheikh Mansour’s transformational takeover of the club in 2008 would still have happened had he not scored his stunner nine years earlier.The Scot completed City’s late comeback from 2-0 down in the old Division Two play-off final with a 95th-minute strike past Gillingham keeper Vince Bartram – who had been the BEST MAN at his wedding!Joe Royle’s men went on to win 3-2 on penalties – earning an instant return to what was then Division One and is now the Championship.That memorable day in May 1999 came midway through Dickov’s six years at City – the same length of time he spent at first club Arsenal.READ MORE TOP STORIESBut he never came close to a regular Premier League spot with the Gunners.And following loan spells at Luton and Brighton he left Arsenal for City in August 1996 – two months before Arsene Wenger arrived for his golden 22-year reign in North London.Dickov was signed by 1966 World Cup winner Alan Ball but played under FIVE bosses in his first year at the old Maine Road stadium.The situation got so crazy that at one time City had 56 players – only settling down once Royle took charge in February 1998 and nearly kept them in the second flight.Most read in FootballHe did take them back to that level the following season, however – aided by Dickov’s Wembley glory – and they returned to the Prem in the striker’s final campaign at the club.The 5ft 5ins star went on to play for Leicester and Blackburn before returning to City from 2006-2008 – albeit now at the Etihad.Will Pugh and Rob Maul discuss Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool’s chances in the Premier League title raceTemporary stints with Crystal Palace and Blackpool followed before a second two-year spell with the Foxes.But although Dickov’s gritty style made him popular almost everywhere he went, it’s at City where he has a unique standing – as the little man who helped make them big again.In fact, the 10-cap Scotland ace believes his dramatic play-off intervention has only grown in importance now that current manager Pep Guardiola has cemented the club’s rise to the very top.Dickov told The Guardian in 2019: “If anything it’s been magnified more by the success. “Maybe 10 years ago fans would stop in the street, thank us for the goal in the game and that would be it. “Now, the club are dominating football and with the football that they are playing it makes it more iconic and nicer for the fans to think that 20 years ago we were there, 20 years later we’re winning Premier Leagues and breaking all sort of records.“I dread to think what might have happened if we hadn’t have won. If you believe what people were saying, the club would have really struggled.”And of inflicting anguish on the pitch on his best man, Dickov added:  “There is nothing better than getting one over your mate or reminding him of it a few years later.” More

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      Kalvin Phillips set to be offered transfer escape after West Ham hell as he’s wanted by former club in emotional return

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      LEEDS UNITED are plotting to take Kalvin Phillips back to Elland Road — if they clinch an immediate top-flight return.Phillips spent 12 years at his hometown club before a £42million switch to Manchester City in 2022.After limited action at Man City, Kalvin Phillips is struggling on loan at West HamCredit: AFPHammers’ midfielder Lucas Paqueta is wanted by CityCredit: RexYet his dream move became a nightmare — spending 18 months on the bench and sliding out of the England reckoning.He was eventually loaned to West Ham in January.Now Leeds want to offer the 28-year-old a chance to rebuild his career and reckon City would do business for around £30m to get him off the books.The champions’ interest in Hammers midfielder Lucas Paqueta is a potential stumbling block, as they would like to use Phillips as a makeweight in the summer.READ MORE TOP STORIESCity boss Pep Guardiola is a big fan of the Brazilian — who has an £85m release clause — and would like to offset a chunk of the asking price against his midfield misfit.But that increasingly looks like wishful thinking on City’s part, as Phillips’ time in London has been another disaster.He has made only three starts, beginning with a debut clanger that cost a goal and followed by a red card in the next one.At the Etihad he kicked off just six games — and was labelled overweight by Guardiola when he returned from the 2022 World Cup.Most read in FootballPhillips kept his England place in the squad for the Euro qualifiers.But he is now so far out of the picture, there is no chance of him making the finals this summer.Man Utd fans brutally troll Kalvin Phillips with X-rated chant as he warms up – but City rival has perfect response More

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      Man City and England goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck reveals she suffered a stroke in emotional statement

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      MANCHESTER CITY and England goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck has revealed she has suffered a stroke in an emotional statement.The 24-year-old confirmed the news on her X account.Roebuck confirmed she has suffered a stroke in the brain on her XCredit: GettyRoebuck has not featured in a competitive game for Manchester City or England this season.She was last named as a substitute for Manchester City on January 24 for their League Cup game against Manchester United.She took to X to say: “I feel now is the right time to give a little update on something I’ve been dealing with recently. Ready to give it all to get back to the thing I love most.”She revealed that the reason for her absence is down to the fact she suffered an occipital infarct of the left lobe of her brain.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAn occipital infarct is the formal name given to an ischemic stroke, which is caused by a blood clot clogging an artery in the brain.A stroke in the occipital lobe can cause visual disturbances like blurry vision, hallucinations or in worst cases, blindness.She confirmed that she is “on the road to recovery” and that there has been no lasting damage to her brain function or vision.In her statement, she said: “Unfortunately, having not felt well for a little while, I had some tests and it was discovered that I had suffered a left occipital infarct. Thankfully, there is no lasting damage to my brain function or vision.Most read in FootballWhat is an occipital infarct?Manchester City and England goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck took to X to confirm she has suffered an occipital infarct.

      The occipital lobes are located on the left and right side of the back of the brain. These are responsible for interpreting visual stimuli and are crucial in assessing distance, depth and size, identifying faces and determining colour. A stroke occurs when one or both of these lobes are either blocked or experience a bleed. Symptoms of a stroke in these lobes include: Double vision, possible blindness, difficulty recognising faces or perceiving colour, seeing grey spots or difficulty with focus. Nonvisual symptoms can include headaches, memory difficulty, behavioural changes, difficulty reading and difficulty with language.

      “I have had many weeks of follow up tests, specialist appointments, and with the support of the medical team at the club I’m on the road to recovery.”It’s great to be back with the girls, working on my rehab and more importantly feeling back to being normal Ellie.Fans love England Lioness’ parents’ casual interview with journalist who had no idea who they were “It’s been a really tough time, but with the support of my family, I’m now really positive and excited for my return to the pitch.”Life can throw unexpected challenges at you and if this year has taught me anything, it’s that I’m strong and will give it all I’ve got for the thing I love most.”I’m very grateful for your well-wishes and concern. My family and I would appreciate privacy while I concentrate on completing my recovery. Ellie.”Lioness Chloe Kelly led the well wishes to Roebuck as she replied: “Got you always❤️” on X.England’s Lioness account replied: “We’re all with you! ❤️”Roebuck has won 11 caps for the Lionesses, with her last appearance in an England shirt coming in February 2023.She was an unused member of both the World Cup squad and the 2022 Euros-winning side. More

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      Arsenal fans pray ‘I hope this isn’t mind games’ after Pep Guardiola rules key pair out of huge Man City title clash

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      ARSENAL fans are hoping Pep Guardiola isn’t playing “mind games” with his bombshell team news announcement ahead of the Gunners’ trip to the Etihad.The North Londoners face the defending Premier League champions in a crunch top-of-the-table clash on Sunday afternoon.Arsenal and Manchester City collide in a titanic title tussle at the Etihad on SundayCredit: RexBut City and England Kyle Walker and John Stones will both the crunch clashCredit: GettyCity boss Pep Guardiola dropped the bombshell news on Friday afternoonCredit: GettyThe Gunners will be boosted by the news that City and England duo Kyle Walker and John Stones will miss the match through injuries they picked up on international duty.Guardiola said Friday afternoon: “Kyle and John are out. It is what it is. “[The injury for] Kyle tougher than John but I don’t know how many games.”Several of the Emirates faithful rejoiced at the extension of City’s injury crisis.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAlthough plenty of Gooners were quick to accuse Guardiola of trying to play “mind games” ahead of the titanic title clash.One wrote on X: “I hope this isn’t mind games.”Another said: “Mind games. I ain’t falling for this.”And another said: “Pep mind games, they will both start.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERArsenal and Manchester City are currently first and third respectively in the Prem tableCredit: AlamyOne remarked: “A mind game.”Another chimed in: “They’ll be available.”Ex-Arsenal star Mesut Ozil shows off ‘phenomenal’ body transformation and bulging bicepsMikel Arteta’s Gunners currently top the table with 64 points to their name, although they’re only ahead of second-placed Liverpool on goal difference.City, meanwhile, are a solitary point behind the Merseysiders in third place.Guardiola said of his troops’ current position: “It’s good to be here with two titles and in contention for three titles after what happened last season. “We made incredible work. Now with the last 10 games of the Premier League at home with our people.”I’m pretty sure they will give us what we need to perform to our best.”Right now every game is so important. If we are able to do it, the next game will be important as well.” More

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      Man City facing huge injury crisis with SEVEN key stars including De Bruyne at risk of missing crunch Arsenal clash

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      PEP GUARDIOLA is facing a ­massive injury crisis.Manchester City defenders Kyle Walker, John Stones and Manuel Akanji are all doubts for Sunday’s title showdown with Arsenal after being crocked on international duty.  Man City boss Pep Guardiola may be without seven stars, including Kevin De Bruyne against ArsenalCredit: RexEderson, Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish and  Matheus Nunes  are also concerns for boss Guardiola.England star Walker is having a second scan on the hamstring injury he suffered in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat by Brazil and is a major doubt for the Etihad clash with the table-topping Gunners.Fellow defenders Stones and Akanji also returned from international duty with problems. And that gives City chief Guardiola a real headache ahead of a huge run of games.Read More on FootballCity have seven matches between now and April 20 — four in the Prem, a two-legged Champions League quarter-final with Real Madrid and an FA Cup semi against Chelsea.There was hope Walker was taken off as a precaution by Gareth Southgate on Saturday.Initial reports suggested he should be fine to face the Gunners but that now looks less likely with City carrying out more tests on the  full-back.And he has been joined on the treatment table at the Etihad by Stones, who limped out of England’s 2-2 draw against Belgium on Tuesday.Most read in FootballStones has suffered a series of setbacks already this season and has managed only 11 league starts for the Treble winners.To make matters worse, Akanji, who has filled in at right-back as well as being a key man at centre-half, is also a doubt after pulling out of the Swiss squad with a knock.Guardiola explains why he subbed off De BruyneMidfielder Nunes reported a foot injury and was withdrawn from the Portuguese squad.Kingpin De Bruyne has been nursing a groin niggle but did come through a session with City’s Under-23s on Tuesday.Winger Grealish and keeper Ederson are working their way back to fitness — and Guardiola will be hoping for positive updates when he returns from a break in Barcelona today. More

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      Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City out to beat Man Utd to £86m transfer for Real Madrid star who could lose spot to Mbappe

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      FOUR Premier League giants are ready for a huge tug-of-war transfer fight over Real Madrid star Rodrygo, according to reports.Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United are all monitoring the 23-year-old Brazilian.Rodrygo has attracted interest from four Prem giantsCredit: GettyWith Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe set to join, Spanish outlet SPORT report the LaLiga giants would be willing to open negotiations on Rodrygo if they receive offers above £86million.Treble-winners City have kept tabs on Rodrygo since his two stoppage-time goals helped to knock out the Prem champions in their dramatic 2022 Champions League semi-final.The winger, whose £205,000-a-week Bernabeu contract runs until 2028, has bagged 13 goals and provided nine assists in 41 Real games this term.United fans are keen on signing Rodrygo, who starred in Brazil’s 1-0 win over England on Saturday.But they could face a challenge for his signature from Arsenal or Liverpool, particularly if Mo Salah leaves Anfield amid links to Saudi Arabia.Interest could ramp up in the summer and Real Madrid already have a ready-made replacement for the forward in 17-year-old Endrick, who agreed a transfer to the Bernabeu in December 2022.However Rodrygo’s future will most likely be determined by what happens with Mbappe.The Frenchman is out of contract in the summer and has been tipped to swap PSG for Real Madrid.Most read in FootballRodrygo has played as a no9 at times this seasonBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBut he was expected to do the same two years ago before a dramatic U-turn led him to pen a new contract.Reports claim Mbappe has signed a five-year deal with Real Madrid which includes an £85million signing-on fee.Football stars’ weird phobias More

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      Arsenal lining up shock cut-price transfer for Man City outcast who fell out with Pep Guardiola

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      ARSENAL are ready to pounce for Joao Cancelo – if Barcelona are unable to turn his loan move into a permanent one.Cancelo, 29, still has three years left on his Manchester City contract but has not been at the Etihad for 14 months after a fall-out with Pep Guardiola.Joao Cancelo is currently on loan at Barcelona from Manchester CiyCredit: GettyCancelo fell out with Man City boss Pep Guardiola before leaving the Etihad on loanCredit: AFPHe moved to the Nou Camp in September but, despite being a regular and Barcelona having first option to sign him, they insist the £40million asking price is too steep.That has alerted Gunners boss Mikel Arteta, who knows Cancelo well from his time as Guardiola’s assistant.His ability to play on either flank is a huge plus for Arteta, who is in the market for a top level left-back, while Cancelo also impressed in midfield when he was pushed forward at City.Cancelo has made it no secret that he would prefer to stay at Barca.READ MORE ON ARSENALYet they do not want to go beyond paying another loan fee to keep him for a further 12 months.He spent the previous six months at Bayern Munich but the German giants also insisted the asking price was too high.City want the Portugal international off the books, rather than seeing his price drop the longer he remains their player.Arteta has raided City for Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus in the past.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd, as much as he would like to stay at Barca, Cancelo may be tempted by another link-up with the Spaniard in the summer.He made 154 appearances for Man City, scoring nine goals and providing 22 assists.Four Arsenal stars confronted Arsene Wenger after huge stars sold to bitter rivals, reveals Jack Wilshere The full-back won three Premier League titles and the Carabao Cup at the Etihad, before he left for Barcelona and won the LaLiga title last year.This season he has played 32 games in all competitions, starting 22 of their 29 league matches. More