Gaël Clichy

Gaël Clichy in the jersey of Arsenal (2010)

Gaël Clichy (born 26 July 1985 in Toulouse ) is a French football player.

Career

Clubs

The left-back joined in 2003 for £ 250,000 pounds from the AS Cannes for Arsenal and arrived there in October of the same year in a League Cup match against Rotherham United on his debut. Later in the season he completed for his new club a total of 22 meetings, including a Champions League match against Spanish club Celta Vigo.

Equally persistent injury problems as well as the competition in the person of Ashley Cole ensured in the subsequent period, nor that the complete breakdown of the U-21 national player was initially slow in coming. When Cole broke a foot and Clichy could play to the fore more and more, it looked - despite emerging speculation about a change in the Spanish Primera División - look as this could Clichy build a lasting regular place. However, this project was an abrupt setback, when Clichy, curiously, exactly the same injury as Cole drew upon and also long-term failed.

It was only in April 2006, Clichy was able to celebrate his return to the first team and was a substitute in the semi-final match in the Champions League against Villarreal. After the change of Cole to Chelsea before the start of the season 2006/ 07 he got from coach Arsene Wenger a regular place. At the end of the season 2007/ 08 he was awarded as the best left-back.

On July 4, 2011 it was announced that Clichy has signed a four year contract with the Premiere League rivals Manchester City. With the Citizens he won the title of Premier League 2011 /12.

National

His first senior international for France, he played in September 2008 at the World Cup qualifier against Serbia.

Achievements

• English Champion: 2004, 2012
• FA Cup: 2005
• Charity Shield Winner: 2004.2012