Gael Clichy played for both Arsenal and Manchester City during his career, but it seems clear that he is rooting for the latter in the Premier League title race this season.
Clichy now works as an assistant coach to Thierry Henry with France under-21s, having taken the job in August. But the 38-year-old also appeared as a pundit on Amazon Prime Video’s coverage of City’s 3-1 win over Everton in the Premier League on Wednesday night.
He was booked by the broadcaster due to his affiliation with City, who he represented from 2011 to 2017 and helped to win two league titles. And it was clear from Clichy’s choice of words that he retains love for his former club, with the word ‘we’ cropping up time and again when he spoke.
“I felt like this game was going to be the start of the season,” Clichy said post-match. “I really feel like this is the game we needed. Everybody was worried about coming here – a difficult stadium – but I felt it was the game the team needed…if you can perform well and win, the season can go on. I really hope I am right, and I really hope the second game can be won to get closer to Liverpool.”
Victory at Goodison Park came courtesy of a second-half fightback which saw Phil Foden, Julian Alvarez and Bernardo Silva score. It moved them fourth in the Premier League table – five points behind leaders Liverpool and three behind Arsenal, who can go back top when they host West Ham on Thursday night.
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Clichy made his name at Arsenal, turning out 264 times between 2003 and 2011. The Frenchman helped Arsene Wenger ’s side win the Premier League and FA Cup before City signed him for £7million amid a spending spree designed to take them to the next level.
Manchester City's 3-1 win over Everton delighted Gael Clichy (Chris Brunskill/Getty Images)Clichy no doubt has fond memories of his time in north London and gave his assessment of Mikel Arteta ’s side back in August. Speaking to talkSPORT he said: “It was a very good season for them, but you think the way City have been performing over the last 10 to 12 years, nobody was really surprised towards the end of the season. I will say that, with the signings they have done, Arsenal, are more equipped to go all the way.
“Can they cope with the pressure? Because being an outsider is always easier in a way. Now people are going to expect more. Last year, starting the season, finishing in the top four was the objective. Now they’re starting the season as title contenders and that’s a different story. I’m pretty sure they’re going to do well.”
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