Gael Clichy says Cesc Fabregas' decision to stay with Arsenal shows great character.
Arsenal's quest for success continues to be built on the squad's togetherness. It was tested in the close-season with the latest instalment of the Fábregas-Barcelona saga but Clichy's take on whether the team has to win a trophy to keep the likes of the captain and Robin van Persie next summer is interesting.
"It's too easy just to leave if the team doesn't win things," Clichy told the Guardian. "The challenge is to stay and help the team achieve glory. And who can assure that by leaving, you are guaranteed trophies?
"We have the examples of Alex Hleb, of Mathieu Flamini [who left for Barcelona and Milan, respectively]. Maybe you win a few trophies but you only play 10 games. And nobody can be assured that by going to a certain club, you are going to win the Champions League.
"Cesc is like Thierry Henry when he was here or Patrick Vieira, who was wanted by Real Madrid. You know as a team you are doing something right when great clubs are after your best players, you know that you have a truly amazing player. Besides, nobody can question the commitment of Cesc. Whatever he is thinking - when he puts on the shirt he is 100% committed and he was our best player in his first five games this season. That showed the character of the guy."
