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Clichy stops contract talks as he focuses on Barca

Gael Clichy is looking for another goal after scoring in the FA Cup last week © PA Photos

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Gael Clichy has put contract talks with Arsenal on hold until the end of the season, insisting he will only focus on the club's pursuit of silverware.

The left-back has been first-choice at the club ever since the departure of Ashley Cole in 2006, notching up over 250 appearances in the process. His current contract expires in the summer of 2012, but the France international maintains he is not thinking about his long-term future in north London.

"Will I prolong my contract? I don't know and I don't think about it," Clichy told L'Equipe. "The season is still long. I will have time to think about it in the summer."

The 25-year-old is looking forward to facing Barcelona in Camp Nou in the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie on Tuesday. Admitting he was in awe of their opponents' ability during the first leg at Emirates Stadium, Clichy believes his team-mates have found an increased resolve and focus since proving to themselves that they can win big games with a 3-1 victory over Chelsea at the end of 2010.

"Something happened against Chelsea. Since that match we are not the same team anymore," he said. "Everyone makes an effort, so it is a little easier on defenders. In the past, sometimes two or three players could give up. At such a level, it is not possible.

"I have watched the first leg against Barcelona again three or four times. I am rarely impressed by a team but this time Barcelona got 60 per cent possession on our pitch. It is huge. We suffered but we could resist."

Eyeing a memorable European night in Spain, Clichy hopes his team finally prove their manager's repeated assertions about their quality to be correct and secure passage to the competition's quarter-finals.

"What will happen at Camp Nou? We will qualify and I will score!" Clichy said. "It would be nice. We will give our very best. Arsene Wenger has often told us there is no better team than ours."

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