Nasri: Sometimes I am a jerk

Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri has admitted that sometimes he is "a jerk".

Nasri has been publicly criticised for his attitude by Roberto Mancini during the Italian's reign at City, while after France’s quarter-final exit in Euro 2012, the midfielder was involved in a foul-mouthed argument with a journalist.

The 27-year-old was given a three-game ban by the French Football Federation for the incident, while Nasri opted to retire from international football last year after falling out with Didier Deschamps.

"From time to time, I'm a jerk," Nasri said in an interview with L’Equipe 21.

"Sometimes it is better to buckle but it is something I can't do.

"I managed when I was younger and sometimes I went home with a knot in my stomach. Afterwards, you go off, but not with the right person.

"I’d therefore prefer to say everything I think, even if it means I'm not liked, even if it means I sound arrogant and a little prick. At least the folk I do like don't have to suffer."