His ability on the left of defense was one of the reasons the Gunners were able to allow England international Ashley Cole to make a high - profile switch to Chelsea three years later .
Clichy spent eight years at Arsenal after joining from Cannes in August 2003 .
Clichy 's ability on the left of defense was one of the reasons the Gunners were able to allow England international Ashley Cole to make a high - profile switch to Chelsea three years later .
Clichy spent eight years at Arsenal after joining from Cannes in August 2003 .