‘I’ve shown who I am’ – Tottenham defender William Gallas says he has proven a point to Arsenal

Premier League : William Gallas (Tottenham) – (Panoramic)

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By Greg Stobart at White Hart Lane

William Gallas reckons he has proven a point to his former club Arsenal after Tottenham booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League – and insists Spurs can beat any team in Europe.

The 33-year-old defender played a vital role, including a heroic clearance off the line, as Spurs drew 0-0 with AC Milan on Wednesday night to dump the seven-time European Champions out of the competition.

Tottenham’s progress, thanks to Peter Crouch’s goal at the San Siro three weeks ago, means they have gone further than Arsenal in their debut season in the Champions League. Arsene Wenger’s side were knocked out on Tuesday night as they slumped to a 3-1 defeat at Barcelona.

Gallas joined Spurs from their arch rivals on a free transfer in the summer and believes he has shown the Gunners – and others who doubted him – that he can still perform at the highest level.

“When I signed, I just wanted to play football and show who I am,” said the Frenchman.

“Everybody judged me because I didn’t have a good World Cup and I was criticised because I was injured last year.

“If I left Arsenal, it was for some reason. I won’t say why now. The most important thing for me was to stay in London for my family and to play in the Champions League – Tottenham gave me that opportunity.

Spurs Saviour | Gallas clears Robinho’s shot off the line to frustrate AC Milan

“I’m pleased we’ve qualified, I don’t think about Arsenal. It was difficult for them, they played against the best team in the world.

“The most important thing in the group was to finish on top so we didn’t play a big team like Barcelona. Maybe that makes a difference.”

Tottenham will discover their quarter-final opponents on March 19 and Gallas says the players feel they have the quality to beat any team – but admits he would prefer not to face Barcelona in the next round.

He added: “Nobody knows how far we can go, not even us. We know we have the quality to beat any team but now we have to understand the Champions League is not easy.

“All the players now know we have the quality so we are strong. Everybody feels the group is very strong. It’s good for the future.

“I won’t say we want to play against a small team – but we don’t want to play against Barcelona.”

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