Navas, Clichy and Caballero join City exodus

Sport360 staff 20:23 25/05/2017
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Manchester City have confirmed Jesus Navas, Gael Clichy and Willy Caballero will leave the club as their contract come to an end this summer.

    The departures of the trio follow that of long-serving right-back Pablo Zabaleta, who also left a the end of 2016-17 campaign with his deal at an end.

    City announced the three latest exits at regular intervals throughout Thursday afternoon.

    The developments could be the start of an overhaul of the squad at the Etihad Stadium as Pep Guardiola looks to rebuild following an underwhelming first season at the club.

    The futures of influential midfielder Yaya Toure and defender Bacary Sagna are also uncertain as their contracts are due to expire.

    World Cup-winning winger Navas signed for City from hometown Sevilla in 2013. He made 123 Premier League appearances and helped the club win that competition in 2014. He also scored four goals and won the League Cup twice.

    There were reports he could be offered a new deal after Guardiola experimented with him at right-back towards the end of the season but he was also linked with a return to Sevilla.

    City director of football Txiki Begiristain said: “Working with Jesus has been a pleasure. His hard work, dedication, professionalism and desire to win have been apparent every single day.”

    Left-back Clichy featured in two title successes and both League Cup wins after his move from Arsenal in 2011.
    The Frenchman, 31, told the club’s website, www.mancity.com : “It’s been a special six years for me at City.

    “To win four major trophies and help establish the club as one of the top teams in English football has been an incredible journey that I’m proud to have been a part of.

    “It’s amazing to see where the club is today and I am sure there is plenty more success to come.”

    Goalkeeper Caballero was signed by Manuel Pellegrini in 2014 to provide tougher competition for then first-choice Joe Hart. He was then retained as back-up for Claudio Bravo after the Chilean’s arrival last summer but was given a run in the side in the second half of the season.

    His proudest moment for City came when he saved three spot-kicks in City’s penalty shootout victory over Liverpool in the 2016 League Cup final.

    The Argentinian said: “It’s been a privilege to play for Manchester City.

    “To win the League Cup in such dramatic circumstances was special and it’s a day I will never forget.”

    Other players who could leave the Etihad Stadium this summer include those who have spent the past season out on loan, such as Hart, Samir Nasri, Eliaquim Mangala and Wilfried Bony.

    Provided by Press Association

    Recommended