Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini admits he tried to sign Samir Nasri while in charge of Inter Milan.
City have been chasing the Arsenal midfielder for most of the summer and have now announced his capture on a four-year contract.
The fee for the 24-year-old has not yet been disclosed but is thought to be around the £24million mark.
Mancini told mcfc.co.uk: "He's a fantastic player because he has technique, he has mentality.
"I knew him when he played for Marseille. I followed him when I was at Inter and we wanted to take him five years ago.
"But I think in the last few years in the Premier League he's improved a lot. Now I think he's a top player."
