Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia may as well be the one who was closer to play for England but according to defender Gael Clichy, the defender was also close to play for the English National side.

Gael Clichy

Speaking to Arsenal.com, the 24-year old:

I had been in England for five years, it was before I had played for France and, if the English people wanted me to be English, I could have played for England.

I thought about it because I feel really good here, I feel really at home here. I can imagine being an English player because of the way their fans love football. The way they are proud of the national team is just amazing and I think any player would like to feel this. England is a special place for a footballer.

I didn’t do anything about it because at the end of the day I spoke with my father and I love France. I am really proud to be a French international and I wouldn’t give this away for anything.