LONDON - Former Chelsea defender William Gallas refused to play for the team and threatened to score an own goal if selected, the English premier league soccer club said today.
The speedy defender, who played for France in this year's World Cup final, has since been sold to Arsenal in
exchange for England left back Ashley Cole and £5 million ($14.62 million).
"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," the club said today.
"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."
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 semifinal.
Chelsea said they ad 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.
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.
Gallas has joined compatriots Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal manager, and France teammate Thierry Henry at the Emirates Stadium.
Gallas was not immediately available for comment.
- REUTERS
Soccer: Gallas threatened to score own goal, say Chelsea
LONDON - Former Chelsea defender William Gallas refused to play for the team and threatened to score an own goal if selected, the English premier league soccer club said today.
The speedy defender, who played for France in this year's World Cup final, has since been sold to Arsenal in
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