Bergkamp inspired me - Clichy

Gael Clichy has revealed how a chat with Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp instilled him with the belief that he could succeed at the London club.

Clichy: Gunners left-back
Clichy: Gunners left-back

The 23-year-old has made the left-back position his own at the Emirates Stadium since Ashley Cole departed the club for rivals Chelsea in 2006.

Bergkamp, who now holds a coaching role at Ajax, spent 11 years with the Gunners, and Clichy has explained the Dutchman made a lasting impact on him.

The France defender told L'Equipe: "I will never forget what Dennis Bergkamp told me. It was in 2005 when I was injured. I had doubts and I didn't feel fine.

"Bergkamp is a great man that doesn't talk a lot. One day he came to see me and asked how long it would take for me to recover. I told him I didn't know.

"He watched Ashley Cole, who was also having treatment, and finally said: 'Come back soon, and if you succeed, you will get his position.'

"Dennis and Ashley are friends, but that simple sentence was so good to me. I held on, and then I recovered quickly."

Your Comments

Fabfabregas (Arsenal fan)

"Clichy had a message from God"

ll_TNT_ll

"gazza270965. Dennis Bergkamp can't fly mate."

mos_tiffa08 (Arsenal fan)

"mos_tiffa08(Arsene Wenger) I think Clichy had done himself well by taking his chances at arsenal and hopefully he will also be a regular starter in Le'blues team."

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