According to Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, William Gallas’ move from Arsenal to Tottenham Hotspur should not be the reason for fans to be disrespectful to a former employee of the Club.

Speaking ahead of this afternoon’s game against Blackpool, the Frenchman explained how the defender will surely be the target of verbal abuse by the Arsenal supporters when the two sides will face each other at the Emirates although Wenger added how it is important for the fans to show respect for players who featured for the club some time during their professional career.

Wenger explained how at the end of the day it was the player’s decision to accept Arsenal’s offer or find another club and as the two parties failed to reach an agreement, the Gunners have to accept that he will now play for their rivals.

Besides Gallas, Arsenal also lost Philippe Senderos, Mikael Silvestre and Sol Campbell in the defensive department with Armand Traore considering a move to Benfica, in Portugal.

On Gallas, Wenger said:

In the derby, Gallas might be exposed to fan chants and things like that.

I hope it isn’t the same [as it was for Campbell]. You always want your fans to show respect for people that have played for your club.

We do not always get it because there are always excessive reactions but the biggest part of the Club will understand that.

I don’t think it is a major problem for Gallas. I personally accept completely that he goes to Spurs because he has not found an agreement with us and then we must accept he signs where he wants.