‘The goalkeeper tends to be quite advanced’: Ex-Arsenal and Man City defender Gael Clichy reveals a fan’s social media message inspired his stunning strike from the halfway line for Servette
- Clichy scored a stunning long-range goal in the Swiss Super League on Saturday
- The full back scored an audacious chip over goalkeeper Alexandros Safarikas
- Clichy revealed post-match that a Servette supporter had inspired his goal
Former Arsenal and Manchester City defender Gael Clichy has revealed a social media message from a fan inspired his stunning goal from near the halfway line for Servette.
The veteran full back shocked fans with his audacious effort in Servette’s 5-0 win over Sion in the Swiss Super League on Saturday.
Clichy intercepted the ball close to the halfway line, with the Frenchman quickly looking up before attempting a chip towards the Sion goal.
The 37-year-old’s outrageous shot dropped over goalkeeper Alexandros Safarikas before nestling in the Sion net.
Clichy revealed an Instagram message from a supporter had played a role in the goal.
Gael Clichy scored a stunning goal from long-range in Servette’s 5-0 victory against Sion
The veteran full back chipped Sion goalkeeper Alexandros Safarikas from near the halfway line
Clichy revealed post-match that a message from a Servette supporter had inspired his effort
The fan informed Clichy that the Sion goalkeeper had a tendency to leave his box when his team were attacking.
Clichy admitted the message had stayed with him ahead of the game, prompting his attempt from range.
‘I received a message on Instagram from a Servette fan, who told me that the goalkeeper tends to be quite advanced, and that stuck in my thoughts,’ Clichy said.
‘The execution was successful and it’s three points.’
Servette later posted a screenshot of the fan’s message to Clichy which read: ‘It’s fine if you don’t see this, but the opposing goalkeeper tonight has a tendency to be a bit high up the pitch. If there is a chance from kick-off,’ the message read.
‘Good luck to you and the team. We are all behind you no matter what, have a good game.’
Clichy’s goal continued a remarkable opening to the match, with his effort putting Servette 3-0 up against Sion after just nine minutes.
The hosts ultimately secured a 5-0 win over the Swiss Super League’s bottom club to move into second place in the table.
Clichy’s first goal for Servette was only the ninth of his 662 match club career.
The full back had been part of Arsenal’s Invincibles squad back in 2004, with the Frenchman spending eight years at the club before joining Manchester City in 2011.
Clichy won two Premier League titles with City, as well as the League Cup, before moving to Istanbul Basaksehir where he won the Turkish title in 2020.
