Nasri latest to join 'Les Miserables' French cast

Samir Nasri's scene stealing departure from Euro 2012 added to the rich history of French soccer players not doing things by halves when they want to express their disaffection with their lot.

From Nicolas Anelka in the 2010 World Cup -one could say the whole squad - to the volatile Eric Cantona in 1988 to Jean-Francois Larios before the 1982 World Cup the French have led the way in creating headlines for the front pages as well as back pages.

Nasri (pictured) turns 25 on Tuesday and may not have too many birthday cards or presents from his fellow French squad members after crossing swords with some of them during their ultimately stormy Euro 2012 campaign.