Ranieri Doesn't Want To Lose Gallas

Last updated : 11 April 2003 By Rich Godden
No folks, I'm afraid it's not love! But Claduio has reaffirmed how keen he is for Gallas to remain in the blue of Chelsea as well as the blue of France. He also revealed that he doesn't want to keep anyone at the club against their own freewill...

Claudio said "Gallas is very important and I don't want to sell him. Since coming here, he's moved into his national team. I'm very proud of that and I'd like him to continue with us. But, of course, I don't want to keep someone who doesn't want to stay.

"We have a project here which started when we put young players alongside experienced players. Our project is growing now and it's important that we continue in this way.

"Gallas is calm, which is very important for us. Marcel Desailly and John Terry are a good couple at centre-back so I can also play Gallas on the right or left. It's important to have players who can change position.

"As for his contract, that's between (Chelsea chief executive) Trevor Birch and the player. They speak together, not me.''

Over to you William- the ball is firmly in your court!