Gael Clichy
Posted: Tue Jul 05, 2011 6:53 am
From Goal.com
What a kick in the teeth! So all our good players are going to leave because they know that our current squad can't cut it and that we need some serious investment.
Gael Clichy has spoken of his delight at signing for Manchester City and admitted that he joined the club to win silverware.
The full-back completed his move from Arsenal on Monday afternoon, signing a four-year deal with Roberto Mancini’s side and he has set his sights on winning trophies at Eastlands in the coming years.
“I joined City because I want to win things, and you always progress with competition,” he told the club’s official website.
“It’s going to be difficult but I can’t wait.
“I’m really excited, the stadium is great and I can’t wait to meet the lads. It’s a new life for me, a new chapter but I’m really looking forward to it because it’s an amazing challenge.”
And the Frenchman will be an immediate hit with the club’s supporters following a taunt at the fans of local rivals Manchester United saying: “I understand [City fans] are the people who live in Manchester, so it’s good I won’t be bothered by United fans.”
The 25-year-old admitted he had been impressed with the progress that City have made in the past and hoped things would continue to improve
“Year after year you can see [City] getting stronger and stronger,” he continued.
“Bringing new players in [all the time], the squad is big but it’s not just numbers.
“The names are amazing, there is a group from abroad and group of English players which is important. The fans are crazy and amazing. I hope these four years will be really big.”
The full-back was part of the 'Invincibles' Arsenal side that went through the 2003-04 season unbeaten and Clichy promised to give his new side 100 per cent and show the City fans exactly what he can do.
“I will just try to do my best for the team and defend well,” he admitted.
“To have a strong back four can help a team go all the way in the league and Champions League so I will just try my best to play as I know how to play.
“I have to adjust, I hope we gel quickly and I can’t wait to train and [play my] first game. I will have to work a lot to adapt with new team-mates but I’m sure this will be a few good years for me.
“Speed is one of my qualities, I try to use it as much as possible, and I hope show the fans I’m a great player and a great signing for the club.”
Clichy is the first arrival at City this summer, with many more speculated to be joining him, and the Frenchman admits that he believes the club could begin to dominate English and European football over the coming years, if they continue to develop.
“I don’t think there is a limit in City,” he added.
“What the club is doing is phenomenal, last year was a big year and I hope we carry on progressing like this with the players we have.
“For the club there is no limit, the Champions League is a big competition and it will be difficult as it’s our first time.
“The Premier League is something you want to win because it shows you are the best team, the FA Cup was done last year and hopefully we can repeat it and the Carling Cup is still a good trophy.”
What a kick in the teeth! So all our good players are going to leave because they know that our current squad can't cut it and that we need some serious investment.