Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri has asked for the constant comparisons with Zinedine Zidane to stop as he settles into life in North London.
Like Zidane, the former Marseille player has Algerian roots, and coupled with his skill and pace have meant that comparisons with the French great have been frequently made by some commentators.
However, speaking to the Arsenal's official club magazine, the new Gunner admitted that living with the Zidane tag was difficult.
“The comparison with Zidane is one that is drawn with a lot of the youngsters who come from north African backgrounds,” said the 21-year old before adding, “It’s quite often that these young kids are likened to him in some sort of way and he’s definitely a fine role model to have.”
Yet whilst Nasri is clearly pleased with the comparisons he did admit that it added pressure which was difficult to handle at a young age.
“While it’s flattering to be compared to him initially, it can be very detrimental to a young player’s career, especially when you’re 17 or that kind of age,” said Nasri before concluding, “It means people are expecting a lot from you and it can prove restrictive.”
Nasri signed for Arsenal for £12 million in the summer and scored on his league debut for the Gunners last weekend as they beat West Bromwich Albion 1-0 at the Emirates.
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