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Samir Nasri has revealed that Manchester City tried to convince him to stay at the Premier League club, ahead of joining Sevilla.
The 29-year-old former Marseille and Arsenal midfielder joined the La Liga side on a season-long loan after admitting to feeling unwanted at the club.
Nasir was reportedly forced to train alone after returning for pre-season overweight, before making a surprise late appearance as substitute in the 3-1 win over West Ham last week.
But speaking after securing his move to Spain, the France international explained: "On the contrary. Until the last stages, Pep tried to convince me to stay and said I would play.
"Until the last minute, they wouldn't let me go, they wouldn't open the door to my departure. I had it clear in my mind that I needed to leave because I wanted to go to a place where I felt loved and where I would find my level."
He added: "I needed a familiar club that would give me affection and Sevilla can do that."
After joining City from Arsenal, Nasri won two Premier League titles, as well as two League Cups and one FA Cup, but rarely played last season due to injury and a loss of form.
He added: "Last year was difficult for me because I couldn't play much and I hope to do the best this year.
"The time that I was injured allowed me to consider what I wanted and I've come here to win. I have learned a lot this year.
"I physically feel very well because I did all the preparation with City and have played in one game."
Nasri added that he was looking forward to playing for Sevilla and working under boss Jorge Sampaoli.
"I've joined Sevilla, a club that has a high quality sporting project, with a magnificent coach," he said.
"I very much like the spirit of [Argentine coach] Marcelo Bielsa, and Jorge Sampaoli has it too, and I like the fact that he wants the team to have the ball.
"I like Sevilla's attacking style. That is why I chose them."
