Patrick Vieira: 'Samir Nasri should be going to World Cup with France'

Former France midfielder Patrick Vieira has claimed that Didier Deschamps has made a mistake by not picking Samir Nasri for this summer's World Cup.

Nasri played a key role as Manchester City lifted the Premier League title, and Vieira, who has worked closely with the attacking midfielder in his role at the club, has dismissed suggestions that his attitude would have been a problem.

"If you want to win the World Cup you need to select the best player," the head of City's Elite Development Squad told reporters. "And Samir, this year he has been fantastic. He did everything to go to the World Cup. He has been scoring goals, making assists.

"The way he has grown up is his influence on the group and the team. He is a positive lad, he has been working really hard and he is taking more responsibility on his shoulder.

"He has got personality, and a strong personality. He never had a problem with Manchester City."

Nasri revealed that he had prepared for missing out on the World Cup on Wednesday.