Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri has insisted that he has matured as a person since last season.

The 26-year-old Frenchman drew criticism during the last campaign for a perceived lack of effort on the pitch.

However, Nasri believes that he is now in a more positive frame of mind for the months ahead.

"Will I be watched closely this year? Yes, but I'm used to it. Since I was 17 I've lived with pressure," he told Le10Sport. "I got a little lost last season, I found myself this year, so much the better."

Nasri found the net on Monday as City beat Newcastle United 4-0 in their Premier League opener.

Written by
Jack Prescott