TOP NEWS: Back off: Nasri's girlfriend Atanes defends City player from Muslim criticism after he posts crude picture

Samir Nasri’s girlfriend leapt to the Manchester City player’s defence as he faced a social media backlash after posting a picture of a crude salute from inside a nightclub.

Despite inspiring Manuel Pellegrini’s side to Premier League glory last season, the 27-year-old was incredibly overlooked by France boss Didier Deschamps for the World Cup in Brazil.

And as his compatriots prepare for their crunch quarter-final clash against Germany on Friday afternoon, Nasri began the day courting controversy with his Instagram snap that showed him displaying a crude one-figure gesture with an accompanying message: 'Tell a hater I say... F**k you, F**k you, F**k you'.

* Manchester City player posts offensive picture on Instagram

* Nasri's model girlfriend Anara Atanes defends him over backlash

* Atanes says former Arsenal man was fasting during his holiday

* No suggestion his actions contradicted his religious beliefs

* The 27-year-old set to sign new contract with Premier League champions

VIDEO Scroll down to watch Up close and personal with Samir Nasri's girlfriend Anara Atanes

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Rant: Samir Nasri posted a photowith the caption: 'Tell a hater I say... F**k you, F**k you, F**k you'

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Close knit: Samir Nasri has been defended on Twitter by his girlfriend Anara Atanes

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Playful: Nasri posted pictures on holiday with his girlfriend (centre) and Marouane Chamakh

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Anger: Atanes also let rip after her boyfriend Nasri was left out of the France squad

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Keeps in shape: Anara posts a picture of her toned body on Twitter, which has since been set to private

Nasri’s crass words are believed to be taken from song lyrics, but his model girlfriend Anara Atanes was forced to defend him as he came under fire from fans, who appeared more concerned about where the picture was taken, rather than the offensive salute itself.

The Muslim midfielder was slammed for posting a picture of himself at a nightclub during the holy month of Ramadan.

The picture is understood to be taken from Nasri’s holiday in Las Vegas earlier this summer and there was no suggestion that the player was involved in anything untoward his religious beliefs.

But Brighton-born model Atanes was quick to defend her man from any criticism as she posted: ‘Yes hes [sic] fasting! Even on his holiday!’

Up close and personal with Samir Nasri's girlfriend Anara Atanes

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Delighted: Atanes and Nasri pose with the Premier League title after City's win against West Ham

VIDEO Nasri close to contract extension  

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Vacation: Manchester City star Samir Nasri (right) attends a party in Los Angeles

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Post: Anara Atanes put a picture of herself and Samir Nasri on Instagram for his birthday

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Selfie: Atanes posted this selfie on her Instagram for Nasri's birthday

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Cake: Nasri (second right), Chamakh (left) and friends celebrate on a night out

Atanes was involved in a social media storm earlier this summer when she hit out at Deschamps for not picking the former Arsenal ace to go to Brazil.

Deschamps threatened to file a civil law suit against her after she wrote ‘F*** France and f*** Deschamps’

Atanes has since set her account to private after it caused a stir with Deschamps, but her comments defending Nasri were visible for all to read.

Nasri is due to return back to pre-season training next week and is understood to be set to sign a new, improved long-term deal at the Etihad Stadium.