Wednesday Aug 02 2006 08:17
Chelsea are considering taking further action against defender William Gallas after the Frenchman failed to team up with the rest of the squad on their pre-season tour of the United States.
Gallas was given extra time off after helping France to reach last month's World Cup Final but failed to turn up for training on Monday.
The 28-year-old has repeatedly stated his desire to leave Stamford Bridge because of his unhappiness at being played out of position by Blues boss Jose Mourinho.
A statement on the club's official website read: "William Gallas will not be joining up with Chelsea FC on the pre-season tour of the United States.
"Gallas was due to join the team with the other Chelsea players who participated in the World Cup semi-finals and Final.
"William requested extra time off following the World Cup but was informed he should still report to Los Angeles on the date previously agreed with him. He did not report and further action will now be considered by the club as a consequence.
"Pre-season training and the tour is about building team spirit among our squad and extra leave is only granted for valid football-related reasons.
"Discussions between Chelsea and William about a new contract are already well documented and ongoing. He has one year left on his current contract."
Gallas revealed earlier this summer that AC Milan were interested in securing his services but Mourinho has always said he would like the versatile defender to stay with the club.
Gallas has spent the last five years at Stamford Bridge and appeared in more than 150 Premiership games for the club.
He told L'Equipe in May: "My decision has been taken and is definitive - I want to leave Chelsea. I want another challenge. I've been with Chelsea for five years. I want to experience another league.
"The directors of Milan are interested in me, and I am interested in the idea of going to play over there."
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