Frenchman would love chance to play at top level in his home country.
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Manchester City left-back Gael Clichy says that although he loves playing in the Premier League, he would be open to the chance of returning to his native France at some point in his career, according to the Daily Mail.
The defender has spent the vast majority of his career in England, having first joined Arsenal as a teenager in 2003, before moving to the Etihad Stadium for £7m in 2011.
The 28-year-old has won two Premier League titles with his two clubs in the Premier League and established himself as one of the best defenders in the country for some time, though he admits it would be tempting to return to his home country to play at the top level, as he never managed to do so as a youngster.
Clichy started his career with Ligue 2 side Cannes, and says he would like to sample all the French stadiums.
“It is one of my regrets that I have not played in the French Ligue 1,” he said. “I did play in the lower divisions but people didn’t really know me at the time and I have not sampled all the French stadiums.”
He added, however, that he thinks the Premier League is currently the best league in the world, and that he likes playing against the best players.
“I believe that the Premier League is the most challenging in the world and if there was the chance that I could play here for the rest of my career, I would sign today because if you are playing in the Premier League, it means that you are facing the best players,” he said.
“I train hard every day to remain at this level and I have been fortunate to play for Arsenal and now for Manchester City. Who knows, Ligue 1 is now really attractive with PSG and Monaco and if the opportunity arises, I would be happy to play in France because it is my country. But I feel good in England. I like the English and the football is so passionate.”
Clichy has made nearly 400 appearances in English football in his ten years in the Premier League.