Friday, 8th July, 2011
Gael Clichy has confirmed that he snubbed moves to both Liverpool and Roma to join Manchester City partly because the Citizens could offer Champions League football.
The French defender was courted by the Reds and the Giallorossi, before making his mind up that the right move was to Eastlands and to become part of Roberto Mancini’s revolution.
"With Liverpool contacts had been very serious. I had phone calls with Damien Comolli [Liverpool’s director of football]. I knew him for a while", explained Clichy to L’Equipe.
"Indeed, there was AS Roma too, with a nice and exciting proposition. But I wanted to stay in the Premier League."
The 26-year-old also explained that Champions League football was a factor in his decision, with both Liverpool and Roma unable to match City in being able to offer a spot at Europe’s top table.
"I like the football here and the state of mind. Moreover, City offered me the opportunity to play in the Champions League once again. I don’t know if it will be the case in the next two seasons, but next term I’ll play in it."
Latest Features:
