Habsi has joined Wigan Athletic on a permanent deal from Premier League rival Bolton Wanderers following a successful loan spell with the Latics last season. Al-Habsi has signed a four-year deal believed to be worth £4million ($6.4m) and the 29-year-old, Wigan's player of the season last term, was delighted by his move. “To come from Bolton on a season loan and get player of the year was great — especially as it was the first time in my life I had played like a professional in terms of every week,” said the 29-year-old. “The thing with Bolton was Jussi Jaaskelainen was there but I showed myself 100 percent when Jussi was injured and I got my chance and so everyone knew what I had. “In the end this is football. Every manager has his ideas and the most important thing was when I was there I gave 100 percent. “But I want to say thanks to the gaffer (Wigan coach Roberto Martinez) for giving me the confidence to come to his club. “It is like my club now, having already been here for a season. “Now it is my job to show myself more than I showed last season.” City signs Clichy from Arsenal Manchester City signed left back Gael Clichy from Arsenal on a four-year contract Monday, bolstering a squad that finished third in last season's Premier League and won the FA Cup. Arsenal was forced to sell the 25-year-old Frenchman because he had only one year left on his contract and could have moved on a free transfer at the end of next season. Clichy spent eight years at Arsenal after joining from Cannes in August 2003. His ability on the left of defense was one of the reasons the Gunners were able to allow England international Ashley Cole to make a high-profile switch to Chelsea three years later. Clichy was backup to Cole when Arsenal won the 2003-04 Premier League title with an unbeaten record, making him at the time the youngest player to earn a Premier League winner's medal — aged 18. He was the last member of that squad still with the north London club. The transfer reunites Clichy with former Arsenal teammates Patrick Vieira and Kolo Toure.
