Arsenal left back Gael Clichy believes English football is the best
and admits that he would like to end his playing career in The
Premier League.
I love London, I love the English people and I love the football,
Clichy told The Guardian.
I would like to play here for the rest of my career and stay in
England forever.
"I sometimes wonder what it must be like to play for England, it
would be such a massive thing because this country is just mad
about its football.
Clichy admits his penchant for the England side and it seems as if
he has done his homework when it comes to understanding the rivalry
between the London based clubs.
I have found myself watching more and more England games and I am
more aware now of the rivalries when we play Tottenham, Chelsea or
West Ham.
The Gunners star believes the departure of Ashley Cole in 2006 was
a blessing in disguise, allowing him the chance to shine for
Arsenal.
When Ashley left it was the best thing that could have happened
for me.
He left and the stage was there for me it was also a massive
confidence boost that the boss did not buy another left
back.
Clichy admits that it was not easy in trying to fill in for Cole
but he is confident he has what it takes to be better than his
former team-mate and become an Arsenal legend.
I just had to play a few games well to show everyone that I could
play there and, now, here I am. I will try to be even better than
Ashley as it is one of my objectives to be remembered as one of the
great Arsenal left backs.
The Gunners defender also believes that Cole will have a tough
afternoon at Emirates Stadium when Arsenal lock horns with
Chelsea.
Ashley was a symbol of Arsenal, being a London boy and someone who
came through the academy, and that is why fans will find it
difficult to welcome him back.
"If they decide to boo him then I will understand that. I hope he
will handle it because he is a good guy.
Clichy will be hoping the Gunners faithful will rise to the
occasion on Sunday afternoon and help his side prevent The Blues
from taking anything away with them from Emirates Stadium.
I just want the fans to help the team get the three points. It is
going to be difficult and we will need them.
The French defender admits his side are good enough to win the
league this season, something they have not managed since their
invincible' run three years ago.
I cannot explain the emotion when we won the title but it was
something deep inside your stomach and it was just
unbelievable.
"I really want everyone in this team to experience that feeling. We
have the quality and the desire and everything is possible this
season.