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Gallas shirt is handed to Ballack
 Gallas helped France to reach the World Cup final in Germany. LONDON, England -- Chelsea defender William Gallas has lost his treasured number 13 shirt to new signing Michael Ballack after being accused of showing the club a lack of respect by manager Jose Mourinho. Gallas found himself in trouble earlier this week when he failed to join the rest of the squad on their pre-season tour of the United States, claiming he needed more time off after the World Cup. Mourinho said: "It's not only me that is upset - we're all upset. The coach added: "Everybody is upset because we had a strong family and a strong group and this has shown a lack of respect to everybody and I don't like that." French international Gallas has worn the number 13 shirt since he joined in May 2001 from French club Olympique Marseille. Ballack requested the number 13 shirt when he signed for Chelsea from Bayern Munich but was originally handed the number 19 jersey. The Germany captain said: "Initially I wanted the 13 shirt and I was sad because it had already been taken. "I had accepted the number 19 shirt but two days ago the coach came and said 'okay, it's fine for you to have the 13'. There was no particular reason behind the decision." The 28-year-old Gallas has struggled to hold down a place in his favored position of center back in the Chelsea team and said in May that he wished to leave. His agent said he thought his treatment by Chelsea, who threatened to discipline him for his failure to arrive in the U.S., was unfair. "It is not possible for them to give Ballack the number 13 shirt without talking to William first," Pierre Frelot said. Misunderstanding"William has been wearing that shirt for five years and it is the shirt he expects to be in. As far as we are concerned William's absence is still a misunderstanding. "I am surprised they haven't waited to hear the explanation of the player in person first before releasing a statement and taking action against him." Gallas, who has 12 months left on his contract, has been linked with Italian side AC Milan. He is expected to return to London on Friday from his holiday in Guadeloupe. He has made more than 200 appearances for Chelsea in five years and has been offered a four-year contract. Chelsea issued a statement earlier this week, saying: "He did not report and further action will now be considered by the club as a consequence." The club said: "Pre-season training and the tour is about building team spirit among our squad and extra leave is only granted for valid football-related reasons. "Discussions between Chelsea and William about a new contract are already well documented and ongoing." 
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