Gallas in like to make Glory debut in the Nov. 16 clash with Adelaide in Perth. Source: Getty Images
William Gallas gives his first interview to Fox Sports News, in Cannes. Source: FoxSports
PERTH Glory's marquee man William Gallas says he will try bring a winning, warrior mentality to his new A-League club and cannot wait to begin his "new challenge" in Australia.
Gallas, in his first interview since penning a deal to move to Australia, revealed a conversation with Glory coach Alistair Edwards convinced him to make the move.
"We spoke for maybe 30 minutes and after what he said to me, I decided with my agent to go to Australia," Gallas told Fox Sports News in Cannes, France.
"For me, it was very important to have a new challenge."
The former Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea centre-back admitted rumours about talks with Ange Postecoglou and Melbourne Victory were true, but added he is glad the move to the A-League still transpired once those talks broke down.
"I feel good, I feel very excited to be in Australia.
"I don't know that country, but I spoke with some people who are from Australia and from Perth and they said I will love it."
It's been five months since the Frenchman left Premier League club Tottenham, but he said he's "happy because now I'm ready" after training on his own, for the last four months.
Although Gallas says he prefers to let his football do the talking, he is ready to embrace his marquee status as well.
"I prefer to speak on the pitch, but now I have to take that responsibility, because it is a new responsibility for me," he added.
With 321 EPL games and 84 French caps under his belt, Gallas has plenty he can bring to the Glory dressing room. He's developed a reputation as a vocal leader in the teams he's played in, and he hopes, in time, to bring something new to Perth as well.
"That is my personality, but I will go to my new club and I will see how the people are. I won't go there and straight away and say: 'oh that was wrong'. No," Gallas said.
"(It's) very important to bring that mentality, the warrior, the guys who like to win every game, so if the players can respond to that, it will be good for the team and the club."
Gallas is the latest high profile overseas name to join the A-League, and the agent who helped secure the move says it reflects the A-League's new international standing.
"(Gallas is a) great guy, great player and great signing - it was a pleasure dealing with William and his team," player agent Buddy Farah said.
"The league has grown in leaps and bounds and it's testiment to the officials and clubs for its growth. This signing was not achievable had the A-league not been as attractive as it is today.
"William acknowledged this and wanted to play a part in its future growth and also the growth of Perth Glory FC."
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- A-LEAGUE
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Kick Off, 6.30pm (EDT) Friday: Patrick Zwaanswijk joins Tara and Harps to preview the round.
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31 Oct, 2013
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Source: http://www.news.com.au/national/exclusive-william-gallas-promises-to-bring-a-winning-warrior-mentality-to-perth-glory-this-season/story-e6frfkp9-1226750172666?from=public_rss
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