Man City newcomer sets his sights on Premier League glory
Published:Manchester City’s biggest summer signing so far Gael Clichy is adamant that he has joined a club with a huge chance of winning the Premier League next season.
The left back made the increasingly popular career move of leaving Arsenal for the side that beat them to the third automatic Champions League spot last term and did so because he is confident in his new employers’ ability to challenge at the top.
He said: “Last season we finished third and won the FA Cup. The desire for winning is bigger than ever. It was the right time for me to move on, and Manchester City is the right opportunity.
“The team is progressing year on year, and with the quality of the squad, I’m sure that we will have success.”
The shape of Ladbrokes’ Premier League winner market indicates that the Frenchman’s optimism isn’t misplaced, with odds of 7/2 rendering them third favourites to claim top spot close behind Manchester United (7/4) and Chelsea (5/2).
It’s a price that puts them some way ahead of his former club Arsenal, who following his departure and talk of compatriot Samir Nasri and captain Cesc Fabregas exiting too are 8/1, however Clichy retains faith in Arsene Wenger.
He said: “I had eight amazing seasons with Arsenal, I love the players, and I just needed a fresh challenge, I want the best for Arsenal. If players leave, the manager is smart enough to bring people in.”
His ex-boss isn’t quite as keen to ensure that Gunner-Citizen relations remain civil though, reacting with fury to Roberto Mancini’s declaration that he wanted Nasri to be reunited with Clichy at the Etihad Stadium by the end of the month.
