Post by LeedsMariner#4 on Sept 5, 2006 18:21:15 GMT 10
Former Chelsea defender William Gallas refused to play for the team and threatened to score an own goal if selected, the club said in a statement on Monday.
The speedy defender, who played for France in the World Cup final, has since been sold to Arsenal in exchange for England left back Ashley Cole.
"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," said the statement.
"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," it added.
The Premier League champions said Gallas, who joined the club in 2001 from Olympique Marseille, had also initially refused to play against Liverpool in last season's FA Cup semi-final.
Chelsea said it had issued the statement because it was important for the fans to be made aware of the full facts.
"Despite leaving he (Gallas) continues to attack (manager) 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. These were 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."
Gallas, who had asked to leave the club in May, was criticised by Mourinho when he failed to report for pre-season training on Chelsea's tour of the United States.
"... 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..." said the statement.
Chelsea said Mourinho offered Gallas a way back into the "family" but despite attempts to resolve the problems the defender made it clear he would never play for the club again.
"Clearly this was a totally unacceptable situation for the manager, the team and the club. Chelsea's interests had to be protected and a solution was collectively agreed," said the statement.
"If a satisfactory deal for Chelsea could be found, Gallas would be sold. If that did not happen it was agreed by all that Gallas would have to fulfil the terms of his contract."
Gallas has joined compatriots Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal manager, and France team mate Thierry Henry at the Emirates Stadium.
If its true he is an absolute prick
The speedy defender, who played for France in the World Cup final, has since been sold to Arsenal in exchange for England left back Ashley Cole.
"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," said the statement.
"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," it added.
The Premier League champions said Gallas, who joined the club in 2001 from Olympique Marseille, had also initially refused to play against Liverpool in last season's FA Cup semi-final.
Chelsea said it had issued the statement because it was important for the fans to be made aware of the full facts.
"Despite leaving he (Gallas) continues to attack (manager) 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. These were 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."
Gallas, who had asked to leave the club in May, was criticised by Mourinho when he failed to report for pre-season training on Chelsea's tour of the United States.
"... 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..." said the statement.
Chelsea said Mourinho offered Gallas a way back into the "family" but despite attempts to resolve the problems the defender made it clear he would never play for the club again.
"Clearly this was a totally unacceptable situation for the manager, the team and the club. Chelsea's interests had to be protected and a solution was collectively agreed," said the statement.
"If a satisfactory deal for Chelsea could be found, Gallas would be sold. If that did not happen it was agreed by all that Gallas would have to fulfil the terms of his contract."
Gallas has joined compatriots Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal manager, and France team mate Thierry Henry at the Emirates Stadium.
If its true he is an absolute prick
