Over 200 food delivery orders expose former French star

Samir Nasri, the former midfield maestro who graced Arsenal and Manchester City, is embroiled in a legal battle with French tax authorities, who are demanding five million euros from him. At the heart of the dispute is the former French international's tax residency status; he claims to reside in Dubai, where the tax burden is virtually non-existent.

However, French tax officials have gathered evidence suggesting the 36-year-old former player spends the majority of his time in France. To bolster their case, investigators analyzed Nasri's consumption habits, unearthing a telling detail: in 2022, he placed 212 food orders through the Deliveroo platform, all delivered to Paris.

This data, which implies a constant presence in the French capital, was corroborated by other information. Flight records indicate the former winger spent up to 208 days a year in France, in stark contrast to just 42 in Dubai. Furthermore, the ex-player owns three properties within French territory.

Based on this evidence, the French courts sided with the tax authorities, who proceeded with the collection of the substantial sum. Nasri, in turn, vehemently disputes the decision. His defense argues that the former athlete's primary income was generated during his career abroad, particularly in England, and that his financial base remains international.

Despite his lawyers' efforts, the court has, for now, upheld the seizures. The former Premier League star now finds himself forced to play his toughest game yet, this time in the French courts.