William Gallas had a clear favourite from his spells at today's opponents Chelsea and Tottenham.
The former French international, who famously played for the Blues, Arsenal, and Spurs, previously revealed that his spell at Stamford Bridge was the highlight of his Premier League career. Gallas spent four seasons with the Gunners before making the controversial switch to their north London rivals Tottenham. However, he has openly admitted his prior years at Chelsea were his most rewarding.
In the summer of 2001, Chelsea signed Gallas from Marseille for just over £6million. When José Mourinho arrived three years later, Gallas became an integral part of the team, winning two Premier League titles, a League Cup and a Community Shield during his time in west London.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ Fantasy Football Club about his favourite Premier League spell, Gallas said: "If I have to pick one, I would say Chelsea, as we won trophies. José Mourinho gave me that feeling, and it's unbelievable. You are the king of the world when you lift a trophy."
Gallas formed part of a formidable Chelsea defence alongside the likes of Marcel Desailly and John Terry, contributing to the club’s back-to-back league titles and Mourinho himself spoke glowingly of the Frenchman. “Fantastic player,” Mourinho once said of him.
“He’s the kind of player that, when you have him in your squad, instead of having 22, you have 24 or 25. He plays right-back, left-back, central defender on the right and on the left. I don’t remember a William mistake, I just remember his untouchable performances.”
Gallas played for Chelsea between 2001 and 2006
Gallas played for Chelsea between 2001 and 2006 (Image: Getty Images Sport)
After leaving Chelsea, Gallas moved to Arsenal in a swap deal that saw Ashley Cole go the other way - a transfer shrouded in controversy after Chelsea claimed Gallas threatened to score an own goal if the move wasn’t completed. His time with the Gunners is remembered for many reasons.
While his football often did the talking, for many, it was his infamous meltdown against Birmingham City that stands out. After a late penalty was awarded to the Blues, Gallas staged a protest by sitting in the opposition half, and had to be restrained from engaging with fans in the stands.
“At Arsenal, I wanted to lift a trophy again, but it didn’t happen,” Gallas said, adding: "Or at Tottenham. It wouldn’t have happened at Tottenham!" Gallas joined Spurs on a free transfer in 2010, making 61 appearances over three seasons with manager Harry Redknapp describing signing the experienced defender on a one-year contract as a “no-brainer” at the time.
During his time at Spurs, Gallas captained the side to a memorable 3-2 win over Arsenal at the Emirates, earning himself a contract extension. Yet despite his trophy jibes, Gallas reflected positively on the his time at White Hart Lane. Speaking after a 0-0 Champions League draw against Milan in 2011, he said: "When I signed, I just wanted to play football and show who I am.
"Everybody judged me because I didn’t have a good World Cup, and I was criticised because I was injured last year. The most important thing for me was to stay in London for my family and to play in the Champions League - Tottenham gave me that opportunity."
As the London derby approaches, Gallas remains a unique figure. One of the only players to have represented Chelsea, Arsenal, and Tottenham in an era of intense rivalry - his career was full of success and controversy, but it’s the blue part of London that he holds closest to his heart.
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Chelsea flag prior the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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