Wenger Praises Gallas And Bends Contract Rules

After winning the much coveted and prestigious Vital Arsenal player of the month award (an award that William will treasure forever no doubt) William Gallas has been praised by Gunners gaffer, Arsene Wenger for his professionalism and his performances so far in the 2009/10 campaign

Gallas has suffered a turbulent Arsenal career ever since that fateful day at St Andrew's in 2008. The French defender was lambasted across the board as he seemingly sulked at the end of the 2-2 draw (which was the catalyst for the collapse of our title charge) sitting in the centre circle at the end of the match refusing to talk to anyone.

Further controversy came as he was stripped of the captain early in the next campaign after vocally and publicly slagging off almost the entire squad causing friction between many of the players.

However ever since Gallas has become a silent emotionless robot who puts in top performance after top performance, quietly going about his business in the most professional manner possible. The addition of Thomas Vermaelen in the summer has only served to strengthen Gallas' performances as the pair formed an instantly solid understanding.

Arsene Wenger recognises Gallas efforts and singled him out for not only praise, but also the bending of his 'one year for the over 30's' contract rule.

"For me William has been amazing the whole season, he does what you dream of as a manager, he does not talk and plays well.'

"He is an ambitious guy and, when he is 50:50, he plays. For example at West Ham on Sunday, even when he is half-injured with a muscular problem and the physios tell me he might not play, he comes in and tells me he can play.

"I have a big respect for what he has done. He wanted to do well as a captain [as well] but what you respect in these situations is how well he responded when he was not captain anymore. At some stage he have might considered [leaving]. But it is always the same in life, if you have the right attitude then people will rate you. It is a credit to him.'

"He had the right attitude and maybe now he has maybe found an appetite for the Club again."

Speaking of his bizarre contract rule and a possible new deal for Gallas Wenger said 'Yes unfortunately that is the rule here, but for a centre back you can be a bit more comprehensive with the situation. For a striker after 32 you can only give a year. For a defender, we`ll see.'

"I had a pre-meeting with his agents one month ago. We agreed to meet now at the beginning of the year."

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.