GAEL CLICHY EXITS THE ETIHAD

Manchester City have confirmed that defender Gael Clichy would exit this summer.

Clichy’s deal is set to lapse on June 30 and the club has revealed that they would not renew it. The defender joined from Arsenal in 2011. He was part of the Premier League winning team of 2012 when City shocked everyone with the title after 44 years.

“It’s been a special six years for me at City. To win four major trophies and help establish the club as one of the top teams in English football has been an incredible journey that I’m proud to have been a part of,” the outgoing player said.

The club’s director of football Txiki Begiristain lauded the player, wishing him well in future endeavours. The director added that Jesus Navas would also be leaving this summer. The Spaniard joined from Sevilla in 2013 after a £14.9 million move but failed to make his mark. The 31-year old would join the rest on their way out.

City have several players over 30 years and Guardiola wants to force the average down. Thirty-five year old Willy Caballero who joined in from Malaga would also exit the team this summer. Bacary Sagna, 34, would also leave this summer. Defender Pablo Zabaleta, 32, is exiting the side as well. He was honoured in the final game of the season. He has since been linked with a move to West Ham United.

Guardiola is expected to add more players this summer as he prepares to compete in the Champions League and in domestic competitions in England.