Gallas hits back at Blues
05 Sep 2006 - 08:39:54
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- Gallas hits back at Blues
Fuming France international William Gallas has angrily denied suggestions made by former club Chelsea that he threatened to score an own goal in the Blues' first game of the season.
The 29-year-old former Marseille star sealed a move from Stamford Bridge to Arsenal last Thursday after an acrimonious opening to the season with last term's Premiership champions.
Chelsea issued a statement on Monday suggesting Gallas, who did not turn up for the club's pre-season training camp in the USA, had not been picked for the first game of the season against Manchester City because he had threatened to score an own goal or get himself deliberately sent off.
But Gallas has responded by saying: "I am surprised and shocked by these claims. I never said that I would score own goals if I had to play for Chelsea again.
"I was firm about my wanting to leave, that is true, and I will explain in due time why I wanted to.
"But I never went that far. But if people want to hide behind false accusations in order to give a reason for why I left so they can calm down the club's supporters then they can."
Chelsea's statement read: "Chelsea believes it is important for our supporters to be made aware of the full facts regarding William Gallas and the lack of respect he showed to the fans, the manager and the club.
"Despite leaving he continues to attack Jose Mourinho and this cannot be left unchallenged.
"Chelsea made William Gallas a very substantial and attractive new contract offer to stay towards the end of last season. This was rejected.
"The issue was purely one of money, despite his public comments that he wanted a new challenge, to play abroad and so forth. This was just a smokescreen to cover up the fact he was hawking himself to the highest bidder.
"Having failed to secure his demands, his position became increasingly intransigent and unacceptable.
"He initially refused to play against Liverpool in the FA Cup semi-final last season in an effort to force an increased contract offer.
"As is now well documented he refused to join up with the team in Los Angeles during pre-season, despite agreeing the dates for his return as the other World Cup players did, with the club.
"When Jose Mourinho generously offered him a way back into the 'family' after the American tour, this was thrown back in the Chelsea manager's face.
"However despite meetings to try and resolve the problems Gallas made it clear to Jose Mourinho he would never play for Chelsea again.
"Before the first game of the season against Manchester City, when only four defenders were available and John Terry was doubtful with an injury, he refused to play.
"He went on to threaten that if he was forced to play, or if he was disciplined and financially punished for his breach of the rules, that he could score an own goal or get himself sent off, or make deliberate mistakes.
"Clearly this was a totally unacceptable situation for the manager, the team and the club. So a collectively agreed solution in Chelsea's interests had to be found, hence his departure.
"Chelsea has a wage structure in place that is valued not only on the contribution of the player to the manager and the team, but also on a player's respect for the club and contribution to the promotion and image of the club off the field. Every player is expected to play their part in this.
"William Gallas rarely recognised these responsibilities.
"He also failed to recognise the role Jose Mourinho and Chelsea played in helping him become a double Premiership champion for a player whose only league title prior to that had been in the French Second Division."