Clichy reveals Bergkamp effect

Bergkamp: Gunners legend

Gael Clichy has revealed how a conversation with Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp instilled him with the belief that he could succeed in North London.

The 23-year-old has made the left-back position his own at Emirates Stadium since Ashley Cole departed the club for rivals Chelsea in 2006.

Bergkamp, who now holds a coaching role at Ajax, spent 11 years with the Gunners, and Clichy has explained the Dutchman made a lasting impact on him.

The France defender told L'Equipe: "I will never forget what Dennis Bergkamp told me. It was in 2005 when I was injured. I had doubts and I didn't feel fine.

"Bergkamp is a great man that doesn't talk a lot. One day he came to see me and asked how long it would take for me to recover. I told him I didn't know.

"He watched Ashley Cole, who was also having a treatment, and finally said: 'Come back soon, and if you succeed, you will get his position.'

"Dennis and Ashley are friends, but that simple sentence was so good to me. I held on, and then I recovered quickly."