Premier League champions Chelsea have claimed that French international William Gallas threatened to score an own goal if selected to play for the team. The former Chelsea defender has joined Arsenal in exchange for Ashley Cole and five million pounds ($9.52 million) on the transfer deadline. Gallas opened fire on his former club and coach Jose Mourinho after completing the move and Chelsea chose to respond via an official statement. "Chelsea FC 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," read a statement on the club's official website. Chelsea claimed that Gallas refused to play in this season's opening game against Manchester City and threatened to retaliate if selected. "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," the statement continued. The statement explained that Chelsea and coach Mourinho did their best to keep the 29-year-old player despite his decision not to play against Liverpool in the FA Cup semi-final last season and his failure to join the team's pre-season camp in Los Angeles. "The manager told him that, even if he did not agree a new contract but returned to the "family" and abided by the rules, he would still select the best players available and would not punish him playing wise." Chelsea not only chose to expose Gallas, but moved to slam the veteran international. "He (Gallas) failed to recognize the role José 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." Chelsea explained their ferocious response by saying: "Despite leaving he (Gallas) continues to attack (manager) Jose Mourinho and this cannot be left unchallenged."
