William Gallas said he is 'shocked' by Chelsea's accusation that the newly outfitted Arsenal player had threatened to score an own goal if he was forced to stay at the club. "I am surprised and shocked by these remarks," Gallas was quoted as saying by Sky Sports News. "I never said that I would score an own goal. "I was very firm in my will to leave, that is clear, and I will explain at the appropriate time why." FC Chelsea released an official statement on their website Monday night claiming that the 29-year old player had told the club he would purposefully make mistakes, get sent off or score an own goal if the club did not sell him. According to Gallas, Chelsea made the claims in order to save face in front of the public after losing one of their strongest defenders. "If people want to hide behind these eccentric charges to explain my departure instead of assuming their responsibilities in front of their supporters, then they can do," the French international said. Gallas went on to cite his record of service to the English team, claming the 225 matches he played in the Chelsea jersey was proof enough of his commitment.
Mourinho "I am not sure that it (Chelsea's remarks) misleads many people. I spent five years at Chelsea. During those five years, I always gave my best and showed how much I was honored to wear the shirt. "All this is very, very petty on behalf of Chelsea. But at the same time, coming on behalf of its new leaders, that does not surprise me." The veteran France international has fallen out with Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho who repeatedly fielded him as a full-back rather than in his original position as a center-back. Chelsea's statement isn't the clubs first attempt to get back at Gallas. In early August Gallas failed to return from his vacation in time for the club's tour of the United States. Mourinho reacted by giving the Frenchman's number 13 shirt to new signing and Germany star Michael Ballack. "Even if Chelsea has much money, its new leaders lack class," Gallas added. Gallas joined Arsenal during Thursday's transfer window, with part of the deal being Arsenal's left back Ashley Cole heading to Stamford Bridge.
