William Gallas played for Chelsea between 2001 and 2006
William Gallas has always held his time at Stamford Bridge in high regard.
The former defender, who caused a stir when he moved between Arsenal, Spurs and Chelsea, has previously explained that his tenure in west London was the pinnacle of his Premier League journey. After four seasons with Arsenal, Gallas made the contentious move to Spurs, but it's his earlier years with Chelsea that he cherishes most.
Gallas joined Chelsea from Marseille back in the summer of 2001 for a fee slightly north of £6million. His role at the club became more prominent with the arrival of Jose Mourinho in 2004, under whom he won two Premier League titles, a League Cup, and a Community Shield.
Reflecting on his most fulfilling period in the Premier League during an appearance on Sky Sports' Fantasy Football Club, Gallas said: "If I have to pick one, I would say Chelsea, as we won trophies. Jose Mourinho gave me that feeling, and it's unbelievable. You are the king of the world when you lift a trophy."
At Chelsea, Gallas was part of a stellar defence that included Marcel Desailly and John Terry, contributing significantly to their consecutive league triumphs. Mourinho himself has praised Gallas highly, once sharing: "Fantastic player," about the Frenchman, reports Football London.
He added: "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."
After parting ways with Chelsea, Gallas found himself at the centre of a transfer storm when he joined Arsenal, in an infamous swap deal involving Ashley Cole. His stint at Arsenal is notable for several reasons.
His skills on the pitch usually did most of the speaking, but for many fans, it's Gallas' notorious breakdown in that dramatic match against Birmingham City that's carved in the memory. When Birmingham were awarded a late penalty, Gallas' unorthodox reaction involved a sit-down protest mid-match on the opponent's side and he nearly tangled with supporters post-game.
"At Arsenal, I wanted to lift a trophy again, but it didn't happen," Gallas explained, adding: "Or at Tottenham. It wouldn't have happened at Tottenham." Gallas' journey brought him to Spurs on a free in 2010. He chalked up 61 appearances across three seasons while Harry Redknapp, praising the acquisition, dubbed signing the seasoned pro a no-brainer.
Gallas still looks back fondly on his time at White Hart Lane. Reflecting on a goalless draw in the Champions League against Milan back 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 another London derby looms, Gallas remains a singular character in the capital's football narrative; a player who controversially turned out for Chelsea, Arsenal, and Tottenham amid fierce rivalries. His career has seen highs and lows, but it's Chelsea that takes the prime spot in his affections.
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