Gallas gives Gunners thumbs up

William Gallas has given a glowing account of his first fortnight at Arsenal.

William Gallas has given a glowing account of his first fortnight at Arsenal, with the French international defender describing The Gunners' unique brand of football as 'magnificent'.

Gallas was involved in one of the most bitter and convoluted transfers of the summer but beat the deadline to seal a swap that saw him leave Chelsea as part of the deal that took Ashley Cole to Stamford Bridge.

The fall-out from the agreement between the two London giants has seen Chelsea accuse Gallas of threatening to score an own goal, as well as Cole vehemently criticising his former club in the serialisation of his autobiography.

However Gallas is attempting to ignore the controversy arising from the transfer and says he is settling in well at Emirates Stadium having now played twice under compatriot Arsene Wenger.

Even though Gallas has been utilised at left back, a situation that sometimes caused him anguish with The Blues, the former Marseille man says he is happy to play anywhere for The Gunners and that he is enjoying the attractive style of play employed by Wenger in North London.

"The fans have welcomed me perfectly, they are so nice," Gallas told Sport. "I feel good in this brand new stadium.

"Gael Clichy is injured, so I have to replace him on the left side of the defence. That is not a problem at all.

"The most important for me, is to win trophies, the league, the FA Cup, or the Champions League.

"If I play I have no problems, that shows that the coach trusts me.

"During the last World Cup, I wanted to show the world my qualities.

"I wanted people to see why being a central defender is the best for me.

"It was a challenge for me to try to be one of the best at this position during a big competition.

"Wenger is one of the best coaches, he talks a lot and understands the player.

"A Chelsea fan has asked me why I left last week. I told him the full story, so he was relieved and understood my reasons.

"Arsenal's defence is young but paradoxically very experienced because of the Champions League.

"Arsenal are a team of young stars and their football is magnificent."

Whilst Gallas is still unwilling to talk about the extraordinary statement from Chelsea that detailed his alleged threats to sabotage The Blues if they forced him to play, the defender admits the accusations emanating from his former club 'hurt' him.

"I will give my all to Arsenal, like I did with Chelsea or Caen, I am a pro," Gallas added.

"Chelsea's accusations have hurt me.

"I will tell the truth at the right moment."

Gallas is the latest in a long line of French internationals to ply their trade in North London since the arrival of Wenger, and the 29-year-old admits he is enjoying himself with Les Bleus at the moment.

After the disappointment of the World Cup final defeat to Italy, Gallas helped Raymond Domenech's side to a 3-1 win over The Azzurri during the international break and the defender believes France are currently unstoppable.

"Our last victory against Italy was the bomb.

"We have shown them who were the best.

"L'Equipe de France make people dream and that is the most important thing.

"We feel we can score at every moment of the match, and our defence is untouchable.

"I am looking forward to see what we can do in Scotland."