Gallas pledges future to Chelsea

14 April 2012

William Gallas has given Chelsea a huge boost ahead of tonight's Champions League semi-final against Liverpool by committing his future to the club.

The France international had expressed interest in joining Barcelona, who have contacted his representatives to inquire about his availability, but has resolved to stay at Stamford Bridge.

Gallas has grown increasingly disenchanted at being played at left-back in recent months but he has been convinced to put his personal feelings aside by his team-mates.

The 27-year-old has two years remaining on his contract and is expected to be rewarded for his loyalty by signing a new deal in the summer. Gallas said: "Chelsea have the best team spirit I've known in my whole career. Everyone who sees us play must realise how hard we fight for each other.

"We have absolutely everything. We have great spirit, good players and a manager who gives us the belief that we'll always win. The club have grown up every season and this is good for the future. I want to be with Chelsea and don't want to leave."

Such is Gallas's commitment to Chelsea, that he has been playing through the pain barrier in recent weeks. While Chelsea's Dutch winger Arjen Robben is reluctant to put his damaged ankle to the test, Gallas has been coping with far greater pain, taking the field with a huge strapping on his back in the last few games.

Chelsea head coach Jose Mourinho gave Gallas the option of sitting out Saturday's Championship-deciding win at Bolton, but the former Marseille defender opted to play on regardless.

Gallas said: "My back is causing me a lot of problems and I've suffered a lot over the last two months. I suffer and suffer - nobody can know how I suffer inside - but I just play for the team. Sometimes I can't run, can't go forward when I want, but I keep going. This is the life of a footballer.

"It's very important to play in games like Bolton and I desperately wanted to be on the pitch. In my head I was sure we could do something. It's very painful and my doctor would tell you. The day after a game I'm in great pain but when I don't play I can walk. I can sleep, don't worry about that."

Gallas believes that clinching the Championship on Saturday has given Chelsea a crucial advantage at Anfield tonight.

He added: "It was very important to go into this game as champions because when you win before the Champions League you arrive on the pitch full of confidence.

"The victory at Bolton will help us but Liverpool are a good team and it will not be easy. We must be very serious, focused on our job, and fight for 90 minutes. It will be another tight game and the atmosphere will be electric because of their fans.

"It feels good to win the Championship and I'm happy. It was not easy to beat Bolton but it was the best way to win the Premiership, beating a very tough team who made life difficult. They were very physical but we played with heart."

MORE ABOUT

Barcelona

Catalonia

France

Gallas pledges future to Chelsea

Read More