Samir Nasri: 'I had to be forgiven to return for France'

Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri has expressed his delight at returning to action for France in Friday's 6-0 demolition of Australia.

The 26-year-old had not started a game for Les Bleus since Euro 2012, when he was involved in a spat with a journalist following a quarter-final exit to Spain.

"An ideal comeback for me? I have stepped into line, I worked hard, accepted all the decisions to bring what I could bring," the former Marseille youngster told reporters.

"I know what it is to not be in the French team anymore. During my absence, I could think about it a lot.

"I have always been a candidate for the starting XI. I had a lot of things to be forgiven for and to show, but I am playing at a great club."

Nasri has won 38 caps for his country.