Ex-Arsenal defender Gael Clichy has become the club’s first signing this summer, after signing a four-year old deal that will see him don a Manchester City jersey from the start of next season. Mancini secured his signature earlier today, and now he leaves the Emirates, a place where he had spent almost the past eight years of his career.
The French Left-Back passed a medical to join City, where he will face competition of places from Alexandar Kolarov for a starting role. The no-nonsense defender is a welcome signing for City, who are becoming a very interesting team on-paper. Gael Clichy has represented the French national football Team in ten games to date, the last of which was in 2010 and he is one of the last members of Arsenal’s ‘Invincibles’; A team that had won the 2003-04 Premier League with an incredible unbeaten streak. He has made his name as a watchful customer on the defensive wings, and many would rate his as one of the premier full-backs in Europe.
Gael Clichy: From a gunner to a Blue Manc.
Clichy has around 264 Premier League starts under his belt for the gunners, and looks to be a quality addition for the sheikh’s side. He also has about forty five Champions League games which sees him become a big asset of the club as they will present themselves in the Champions League for the first time, next season. Clichy started off his Gunners career as second fiddle to Ashley Cole, but soon moved on to a regular spot after the Englishman left the Gunners for Chelsea in 2006. Since then, he has become an invaluable asset in Arsene’s team and tactics, and his departure creates quite a void.
Clichy was snapped up for a fee believed to be around the region of 7 million Pounds. Though it is not confirmed yet, this valuation makes him quite a smart business move by Roberto Mancini. It is also disclosed that he will be wearing the number 22 jersey in light Blue. Clichy will be reunited with his ex-Arsenal team mates Kolo Toure and Emanuel Adebayor in the City colors as well.
When Asked about the move, Gael said, “I’m really happy to be joining such a great club. I hope I can add to the quality we already have here because we have a fantastic squad who I believe will continue to get better. I can’t wait to get started and I think anything is possible with this team.” He also mentioned that he would be reunited with two of his best mates in England, Kolo and Vieira. Clichy will be officially unveiled during Man City’s forthcoming tour of the USA and Canada.
