Gaël Clichy

Gaël Clichy (born 26 July 1985) is a French footballer who currently plays as a full back for Arsenal in the English Premier League. Clichy grew up in the city of Toulouse, France. In his early years, after climbing over a metal fence, a ring he was wearing got caught and tore his finger off. He had a seven-hour operation to sew it back on, but during the operation, his heart stopped beating due to a problem with his lungs. After 15 seconds, it r... more

Gaël Clichy (born 26 July 1985) is a French footballer who currently plays as a full back for Arsenal in the English Premier League. Clichy grew up in the city of Toulouse, France. In his early years, after climbing over a metal fence, a ring he was wearing got caught and tore his finger off. He had a seven-hour operation to sew it back on, but during the operation, his heart stopped beating due to a problem with his lungs. After 15 seconds, it restarted and, thankfully, he recovered. Doctors described it as a "miracle" that Clichy survived. His mother had the resources to help him recover after years of experience in medical school as a nurse. When AS Cannes were relegated to the French Third Division, Arsène Wenger persuaded Clichy's parents to let him join Arsenal. After Ashley Cole suffered a fractured foot in October 2005, it seemed that Clichy would earn some valuable first-team action during Cole's time out; indeed, with rumours linking Cole with a transfer to Spain, it seemed... less