Former Arsenal and Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri was reportedly held by French authorities for approximately 10 hours over a money laundering case allegedly connected to organised drug traffickers. The 39-year-old former French international was questioned at the offices of the Financial Investigation and Research Brigade (BRIF) of the Paris judicial police, according to Le Parisien. He was released on Thursday evening without any charges being filed at this stage.
Details of the Investigation
The questioning centred on Nasri's alleged ties to Hakim Berrebouh, a convicted drug trafficker imprisoned since 2021, and his right-hand man, Olivier Sabbah. Nasri was specifically questioned over money laundering, with the report linking the matter to his former role as a shareholder of the nightclub XS in Ivry-sur-Seine, Val-de-Marne. The BRIF unit specialises in financial investigations and complex money laundering cases.
Nasri's Football Career
Nasri grew up in Marseille and came through the ranks at his hometown club as a youngster before joining Arsenal in 2008. He spent three seasons at the Emirates Stadium, initially becoming a fan favourite before a controversial transfer to Manchester City. Over a decade later, Nasri still hasn't been forgiven by many Arsenal fans, who were left incensed at the manner of his exit. He stayed at the Etihad Stadium until 2017, making 129 appearances for City and winning two Premier League titles before joining Sevilla on loan and securing a permanent move to Turkish club Antalyaspor. Nasri also played for West Ham United and Anderlecht before hanging up his boots in 2020.
Current Role and Previous Controversy
Nasri currently works as a pundit on French television but pulled out of covering Arsenal in last season's Champions League final due to personal insults from PSG supporters. Speaking at the time, he said: "What bothered me was that they insulted my mother, even though, well, you've qualified for a final, you celebrate with your players. It's not the first time I've been insulted in a stadium, and it certainly won't be the last. And if I let it get to me, I'd quit TV, and I'd quit going to matches."
