Former France international has point to prove following return from doping violation, according to Hammers boss
Friday 11 January 2019 23:38, UK
Samir Nasri will continue his "revenge" mission when he faces former club Arsenal on Saturday, according to West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini.
Nasri, who signed for West Ham on New Year's Eve after completing a doping ban for using intravenous drip treatment, is in line to make his Premier League debut in Saturday's lunchtime clash, live on Sky Sports, at the London Stadium.
Nasri played his first match in more than a year when he started the FA Cup victory over Birmingham last weekend and Pellegrini is confident the 31-year-old can recapture his best form.
"He wants revenge, about the ban of 12 months or more, to decline his career," said Pellegrini.
"From Arsenal, then City bought him. From there his career declined, without doubt.
"I think we can expect a lot from him because he is a top player. He continues having some minutes, and when he is used to playing 90 minutes again he will be a top player at this club."
Pellegrini has reiterated that he felt the signing of Nasri was a gamble worth taking.
"Every time you choose a player you have a risk without any doubt. Sometimes when you invest more money your risk increases," added the Hammers boss.
"When I bring players here I say my responsibility doubles than when players were already here with the squad. You must take decisions. This was a risky decision, but not a high-risk one because he signed for six months.
"He made no problem with the contract. He was not fighting for more or less money. He wants to demonstrate between now and June that he is able to be a top player in football."
