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On this day: William Gallas signs for Tottenham Hotspur

On this day in 2010, defender William Gallas left Arsenal to move to fierce North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

When William Gallas left Chelsea to join Arsenal in 2006, the move caused plenty of controversy, with Chelsea claiming that the Frenchman threatened to score own goals if he was denied a transfer.

Four years later, in 2010, Gallas proved once again that he wasn't afraid to cause a bit of friction between London's top clubs with a surprise move to Arsenal's fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

Gallas's time at the Gunners was a rocky one having been instantly handed the number 10 shirt, which had been previously worn by Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp.

But Gallas recovered to enjoy a distinguished time with the Gunners, becoming a mainstay of their defence over his four-year stay at the club, going on to make 140 appearances for Wenger's outfit.

However, despite Arsenal's willingness to offer the versatile defender another deal, his contract demands were described as "unreasonable" by then-chairman Peter Hill-Wood and the former Marseille man left the club.

William Gallas of Arsenal in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Bolton Wanderers at The Emirates Stadium on January 20, 2010© Getty Images

With Gallas attracting interest from several big clubs from around Europe, it was revealed that the Frenchman had agreed to move to White Hart Lane, becoming the first player to play for Chelsea, Arsenal and Spurs.

The transfer received a mixed reception from Tottenham's supporters, but Gallas warmed himself to them by insisting that his new club were capable of winning the Premier League title during his first season with the club.

Gallas made his debut against West Bromwich Albion in September, but his stock at the club rose considerably when he captained Spurs to a famous 3-2 victory over his former side at the Emirates Stadium.

Tottenham were also enjoying an outstanding run in the Champions League, and Gallas starred as Spurs defeated AC Milan in the second round, before they lost to Real Madrid in the quarter-finals.

The France international had made a huge impact during his opening season, and he was rewarded with a new two-year deal at the club, which he promptly accepted.

William Gallas of Tottenham is chased by Alex Song of Arsenal during the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium on November 20, 2010© Getty Images

However, after signing the deal, injuries began to take their toll on the defender, and he was restricted to just 19 appearances during the following season.

That was just half the number that he had played in the previous year, and his role at the club became even less during the 2012-13 season, playing just 17 matches in the Premier League.

Gallas's decreasing activity was enough for manager Andre Villas-Boas to opt against offering his player an extended stay at the club, and he departed having made 72 appearances over three seasons.

Despite the season having gotten underway, the 36-year-old is still a free agent, with his name being linked with a surprise move to Crystal Palace.

But despite entering the final years of his career, and if his fitness issues can be managed, there would be little surprise if the former France international made one final move to a top club somewhere in Europe.

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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal28204470244664
2Liverpool28197265263964
3Manchester CityMan City28196363283563
4Aston Villa29175760421856
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs28165759421753
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd28152113939047
7West Ham UnitedWest Ham2912894650-444
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2811985044642
9Wolverhampton WanderersWolves28125114244-241
10Newcastle UnitedNewcastle281241259481140
11Chelsea27116104745239
12Fulham29115134344-138
13Bournemouth2898114152-1135
14Crystal Palace2878133348-1529
15Brentford2975174154-1326
16Everton2887132939-1025
17Luton TownLuton2957174260-1822
18Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest2967163551-1621
19Burnley2945202963-3417
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd2835202474-5014


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