Gael Clichy has revealed he would have quit Arsenal if Ashley Cole had not been sold to Chelsea.
"There was really a bad time since I joined Arsenal when Ashley got injured and I wasn't happy, I would not say I was happy but I got a chance to play.
"Then, a week later, I got the same injury. Of course, it was in my mind to just think that the chance is gone. I'll have to work hard and move elsewhere to do something.
"At the end of the day, I'm here today and I'm really pleased with that.
"I can look back at the past and say all those things just made me stronger.
"When Ashley left, he [Arsene Wenger] didn't buy anyone and that is the best sign of confidence for me and was a big boost."