Ex-Arsenal star pulls out of Champions League final after PSG ‘abuse’ fears

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Former Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri has revealed he will not attend the Champions League final as a pundit due to concerns over potential abuse from Paris Saint-Germain supporters.

The Gunners are set to face PSG in the final at the Puskas Arena in Budapest on Saturday night, with Arsenal seeking their first-ever European Cup triumph.

Nasri, who made 125 appearances for Arsenal between 2008 and 2011 before moving to Manchester City, has been working as a pundit for Canal+ throughout this season’s Champions League campaign, including coverage of PSG’s semi-final victory over Bayern Munich.

Abuse from PSG fans

The 38-year-old, who joined Arsenal from PSG’s fierce rivals Marseille, experienced abuse from Parisian supporters during the semi-final clash and has decided to remain in the studio rather than attend the final in person.

“Yes, it’s true. But it’s part of the game as a former Marseille player to get insulted by Parisian fans,” Nasri told L’Equipe.

“Even though I think they had other things to do, like celebrating qualifying for the final. However, that’s not why I’m not going to Budapest for the final.”

Neutral perspective concerns

Nasri explained that his decision was also influenced by wanting the best possible punditry setup for viewers, given his connections to both clubs involved in the final.

“It’s PSG-Arsenal, it’s better to have Robert Pires, who’s a die-hard Gunners fan, and David Ginola, who’s a die-hard PSG fan, than someone neutral, like me, on set,” he said.

“Arsenal is also my former club, but I don’t have an extraordinary relationship with its fans.”

The former France international acknowledged that abuse from opposing supporters is unfortunately part of football, but expressed disappointment at the personal nature of some comments directed at his family.

“When I was a player, I got insulted too, even on opposing pitches. What bothered me was that they insulted my mother, even though, well, you’ve qualified for the final, you celebrate with your players!”

Arsenal reached the final after defeating Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals, while PSG overcame Bayern Munich to book their place in Budapest. The French champions are looking to retain the trophy they won for the first time in their history last season.

Mikel Arteta’s side will be hoping to cap off what has been a remarkable European campaign by lifting their first Champions League trophy in front of the travelling Arsenal support in Hungary.