Nasri: Rooney ban good news for France
Reuters - Friday 18 May 2012, 17:08
Wayne Rooney's suspension for the
first two games of the 2012 European Championships is a great
opportunity for France, who meet England in their opening match
of the tournament, Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri said
on Friday.
France, eliminated in the group stages of both Euro 2008 and
the 2010 World Cup, face England on June 11 in Donetsk before
playing co-hosts Ukraine and Sweden.
"The last eight is certainly within our reach. We have the
potential to qualify," Nasri told reporters at France's
Clairefontaine training facility.
"Obviously, it's better to play England first, when Rooney
is still suspended," he added.
The Manchester United striker is suspended for two games
following his sending off for kicking Miodrag Dzudovic during
the final qualifier against Montenegro in October.
The French players will mostly focus on resting their bodies
and minds after an exhausting season, one which ended in
particularly dramatic fashion for Nasri, when City snatched the
Premier League title in the final seconds.
"I only realised how crazy it had all been when I watched
the game again," Nasri said, referring to the two stoppage-time
goals which helped City defeat Queens Park Rangers to win the
club's first league title in 44 years.
"I am a bit tired, I did not sleep enough. We did a lot of
partying. But I will recover fast here," he added.
"It was a fantastic moment for the club and for me as well.
"I managed to make an impact at the end of the season. I
also think I improved mentally and defensively at City."