France international William Gallas threatened to score own goals against Chelsea as he sought an escape from Stamford Bridge, the English champions claimed on Monday.
Gallas recently joined Arsenal after several months of stating his desire to leave to manager Jose Mourinho.
And only days after he moved across London in a deal which also took Arsenal defender Ashley Cole the other way, a Chelsea statement claims to lay bare the extent to which Gallas would have gone if not granted his wish to leave.
PHOTO: AFP
Chelsea claim Gallas initially refused to play against Liverpool in last season's FA Cup semi-final and how, if selected to play against Manchester City in the first game of this season, he threatened to score an own goal, get sent off or make deliberate mistakes.
The 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 statement continued.
"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. He initially refused to play against Liverpool in the FA Cup semi-final last season in an effort to force an increased contract offer," it said.
"As is now well-documented he refused to join up with the team in LA during pre-season, despite agreeing the dates for his return as the other World Cup players did, with the club," it added.
The statement continued: "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."
However Gallas, who is away on international duty with France, hit back.
"I am surprised and shocked by these claims," the 29-year-old said. "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."
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