ARSENAL have confirmed they have sold left-back Gael Clichy to Manchester City for £7million.

The France international has signed a four-year deal at Eastlands worth £65,000 a week.

Clichy said: "I'm really happy to be joining such a great club. I hope I can add to the quality we already have here because we have a fantastic squad who I believe will continue to get better.

"I can't wait to get started and I think anything is possible with this team."

 Clichy also revealed that in moving to Eastlands, he will be re-joining two of his best friends in football.

He said: "When I first came to England, it was Kolo Toure and Patrick Vieira who took me under their wing and really looked after me.

"Kolo would pick me up and drop me at home and his wife used to cook meals for me. Patrick was always there to offer me advice so it's wonderful to be back and at the same club they are at."

Reflecting on his time in north London, Clichy added: "I have had eight fantastic years at Arsenal and made many friends.

"I have so many great memories from my time at Highbury and Emirates Stadium. I would like to say thank you to everyone at Arsenal for all of their support and friendship.

"I also want to send a big thank you to all the Arsenal supporters, who have always been so good to me."

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger said: "We would like to thank Gael for eight years of terrific service to Arsenal, during which time he gave absolutely everything for the club.

"He has grown and developed so much since joining us in 2003, and has been a crucial part of the team over recent seasons.

"Gael leaves with our respect and best wishes. We wish him the very best for his future career."

Clichy, 25, joined Arsenal from Cannes in August 2003, and during his time with the club made 264 appearances in all competitions.

In his debut season with the Gunners, Clichy became the youngest player at the time to win a Premier League medal in 2004, aged 18 years and 10 months.

Soon after, Clichy established himself as a mainstay of Wenger's side and also a regular with the France national team.

Source: The Sun