Source: Daily_Mail
'I almost played for England': Arsenal star came close to joining Three Lions
Arsenal defender Gael Clichy has admitted he considered playing for the England national team because of his love for the country.[LNB]Clichy, 24, is now a full international for France after making his senior debut in a qualifier against Serbia last year.[LNB]But the left-back, who is currently sidelined with a back injury, says he came close to following in teammate Manuel Almunia's footsteps by making himself available for Fabio Capello's side.[LNB] Changing house: Arsenal's Gael Clichy admits he considered playing for England[LNB] Capello: Forget England keeper crisis, I will never pick Spanish AlmuniaSmiles better for injured Van Persie after Serbian housewife treatmentPicking Almunia for England would send out wrong signalsGibbs is added to Arsenal's growing injury list as Wenger turns to Silvestre Clichy, who signed for Arsenal in 2003 said: 'I had been in Englandfor five years, it was before I had played for France and, if theEnglish people wanted me to be English, I could have played forEngland," he told Arsenal.com. [LNB]'I thought about it because I feel really good here, I feel reallyat home here. I can imagine being an English player because of the waytheir fans love football. The way they are proud of the national teamis just amazing and I think any player would like to feel this. Englandis a special place for a footballer.[LNB]Stiff competition: Clichy would have been up against Ashley Cole for a place in Fabio Capello's starting XI[LNB] 'I didn't do anything about it because at the end of the day I spokewith my father and I love France. I am really proud to be a Frenchinternational and I wouldn't give this away for anything.' [LNB]The defender, who has played 200 games for the Gunners, is desperateto force his way into Raymond Domenech's plans for next summer's WorldCup, after missing France's controversial play-off win over the Republic of Ireland.[LNB]However, Clichy admits he misses England when he returns to hiscountry of birth, and has not ruled out staying in London, when he endshis playing career. [LNB]'When I go back home now [after] about two or three weeks I feellike I have to come back to England so that shows how at home I feelhere. [LNB] 'I love it here and I hope I will stay here for a long time. Idon't know if I would stay here after my playing career but it ispossible. [LNB]'If I have children one day I would like them to speak English.Instead of going to America I would rather they come to London becauseI love it here, the people are really warm and welcoming.' [LNB] Capello: Forget England keeper crisis, I will never pick Spanish AlmuniaSmiles better for injured Van Persie after Serbian housewife treatmentPicking Almunia for England would send out wrong signalsGibbs is added to Arsenal's growing injury list as Wenger turns to Silvestre [LNB] [LNB] Explore more:People:Fabio Capello, Raymond Domenech, Ashley ColePlaces:London, Republic of Ireland, France, United Kingdom, America
