Clichy confidence grows after title win

Manchester City defender Gael Clichy said his move to the Etihad Stadium from Arsenal last season has proved to be the right call.

The France international, who started in Les Bleus’ 2-0 win over Ukraine on Friday, won a Premier League winner’s medal in his first season in Manchester.

The 26-year-old started 28 of the 38 league fixtures as a key part in Roberto Mancini’s title-winning squad, and he said the move has improved him as a player.

“It’s funny, but I am a vastly different player this year since I moved to City,” Clichy told Sky Sports.

“In my head, it is a turning point in my career. I wanted to see where it could take me. I do not regret it for a moment, as I have gained in self-confidence.

“It has been 10 years that I have played in the Premier League, which is not bad.

“I am champion of England and that is important in the life of a player, one feels stronger.”

Clichy replaced Patrice Evra for Laurent Blanc’s side for Friday’s win in Donetsk, but knows that there is no guarantee he will feature from the outset against Sweden on Tuesday.

“You have to ask the coach,” he said.

“All the better if several players can play in this position.

“If each of us plays in that role and we reach the final, we will all be happy I think.

“The coach has maybe his starting XI in his head but he knows that the others can make a difference.”