Aziz Behich reckons former Manchester City and France favourite Gael Clichy will be backing Australia at the World Cup — even when they face Les Bleus.
Dundee United ace Behich and Clichy were team-mates at Istanbul Basaksehir during the 2019/20 campaign, with the duo battling it out for the left-back berth in a star-studded squad.
Despite the healthy rivalry, the pair became firm friends as “The Grey Owls” won their first ever Turkish league title, adding to Clichy’s English Premier League crowns with City and Arsenal.
And Behich believes that rapport will extend to Clichy — capped 20 times for his country — supporting the Socceroos when their Qatar 2022 adventure begins against France on November 22.
“When I arrived in Istanbul, it was me and Gael (Clichy) competing for the left-back position — but we ended up being really good friends during that year,” recalled Behich.
“I learned a lot from him, when you consider the career he had and the clubs he’s played for.
“We speak very often. He’s a great player and a great family man. I feel fortunate to have had a team-mate like that in my career.
“I’m sure I’ll get a text message just before the (Australia v France) game. I think he’ll be supporting Australia just because of me. That’s what I’m hoping, anyway!”
Behich added: “That year in Istanbul, we had Gael, Demba Ba, Martin Skrtel, Gokhan Inler, Arda Turan, Robinho. We ended up winning the league and it’s no surprise with that squad.”
Special moment
With 53 caps under his belt, Behich has cemented the left-back berth for the Socceroos and, barring injury or illness, is all-but guaranteed to be on the plane to the Middle-East next month.
It will be his second successive World Cup, having played all three matches as Australia exited Russia 2018 at the group phase.
“It was a dream come true to go to the last World Cup,” he added. “I had my family and my wife in the stands. It’s the pinnacle of football and you are representing your country.
“It’s difficult to explain to people. I think you’ve got to be there to have those emotions and feelings — hearing the anthem before the game; looking around to see yellow everywhere and fans singing along. It was a special moment.”
While Behich’s immediate focus remains on driving United up the Premiership standings, the former Bursaspor and PSV Eindhoven flyer has lofty aspirations for the Aussies’ campaign in Qatar.
The Socceroos’ section contains France, Tunisia and Denmark.
“We’ve said, as a group, that we’re not going there just to make up numbers,” Behich told the Socceroos’ podcast. “We want to get results and get out of the group. It doesn’t matter who the opponents are.
“As long as we have the belief within our four walls, that’s the most important thing.”
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