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William Gallas open to future MLS or Qatar move & reveals Tottenham are increasingly confident in Premier League title race
The 34-year-old admits he is tempted by a switch to the USA or Middle East, and has no regrets after turning down an ‘extraordinary’ offer from PSG before the 2010 World Cup
Jan 10, 2012 3:33:00 PM
By Joe Wright
Tottenham defender William Gallas has admitted he would open to a move to the MLS or Qatar in the future.
The 34-year-old has seen former Arsenal teammate Thierry Henry make a successful switch to the USA, along with fellow former Premier League veterans David Beckham, Freddie Ljungberg and Robbie Keane.
Although the former Chelsea defender remains fully committed to Spurs at present, a reduced level of first-team football has forced him to consider where his future lies – and it seems that America and the Middle East are high on the list of options.
In an interview with French TV station TF1, Gallas said: "If I have the legs to play, maybe in these championships [in the USA and Qatar], why not. It's always an experience.
“I had the opportunity to talk to Thierry, he enjoys it there [in the MLS]. This is not the same as in Europe, but he continues to play, score, have fun.
“It is true that for a footballer, it's very hard to have to hang up your boots. I may be in the same case. If I were to go to Qatar or the United States, I would go, why not!"
Tottenham have enjoyed a strong start to the campaign, and currently find themselves above London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea as the main challengers to the Manchester clubs for the Premier League crown.
Gallas is delighted with the team’s current form, and insists the belief is creeping into White Hart Lane that they can go all the way in this season’s title race.
"All is going well. It is very well right now. Last year we showed we could play in the Champions League, we had a great season. We try to do the same this year.
“Given the number of points we have, little by little we think about the title. We are only six points behind City with a game in hand. Everything is possible in England, even if on paper, City is very strong, even though they lost some points.”
The former France international also revealed he turned down an “extraordinary” contract offer from Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain in 2010, in order that his family could stay in London.
While he concedes his head was turned by the lucrative bid, Gallas insists he made the correct decision to stay with Tottenham, and has backed the French side to triumph this season.
"I have no regrets. I could have signed for PSG before the World Cup, this was not the case because I favoured my family life.
“Financially, what PSG offered to me was extraordinary for a French club and it was the same amount as what I earn here. PSG was breaking the bank for me.
“I refused for my children, my family. It was important that they stay in England. I feel that the PSG can win the title."
The 34-year-old has seen former Arsenal teammate Thierry Henry make a successful switch to the USA, along with fellow former Premier League veterans David Beckham, Freddie Ljungberg and Robbie Keane.
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Although the former Chelsea defender remains fully committed to Spurs at present, a reduced level of first-team football has forced him to consider where his future lies – and it seems that America and the Middle East are high on the list of options.
In an interview with French TV station TF1, Gallas said: "If I have the legs to play, maybe in these championships [in the USA and Qatar], why not. It's always an experience.
“I had the opportunity to talk to Thierry, he enjoys it there [in the MLS]. This is not the same as in Europe, but he continues to play, score, have fun.
“It is true that for a footballer, it's very hard to have to hang up your boots. I may be in the same case. If I were to go to Qatar or the United States, I would go, why not!"
Tottenham have enjoyed a strong start to the campaign, and currently find themselves above London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea as the main challengers to the Manchester clubs for the Premier League crown.
Gallas is delighted with the team’s current form, and insists the belief is creeping into White Hart Lane that they can go all the way in this season’s title race.
"All is going well. It is very well right now. Last year we showed we could play in the Champions League, we had a great season. We try to do the same this year.
“Given the number of points we have, little by little we think about the title. We are only six points behind City with a game in hand. Everything is possible in England, even if on paper, City is very strong, even though they lost some points.”
The former France international also revealed he turned down an “extraordinary” contract offer from Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain in 2010, in order that his family could stay in London.
While he concedes his head was turned by the lucrative bid, Gallas insists he made the correct decision to stay with Tottenham, and has backed the French side to triumph this season.
"I have no regrets. I could have signed for PSG before the World Cup, this was not the case because I favoured my family life.
“Financially, what PSG offered to me was extraordinary for a French club and it was the same amount as what I earn here. PSG was breaking the bank for me.
“I refused for my children, my family. It was important that they stay in England. I feel that the PSG can win the title."
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
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