Samir Nasri has claimed Pep Guardiola urged him to stay at Manchester City and fight for his place.

The Frenchman left the club on Wednesday to join Spanish side Sevilla on a season-long loan.

The 29 year olds future had seemed uncertain following Guardiola's arrival at the Etihad Stadium in the summer, particularly after the Spanish boss revealed Nasri reported for pre-season training overweight.

The former Arsenal midfielder, in an interview published on the Sevilla website, sevilla.es, said: "Guardiola, until the last moment, tried to make me stay but I was clear I wanted to leave and go to a place where I could give my best level. I was looking for a family club and in Sevilla I have found just that, but until the last moment I haven't been able to leave."