Conor Gallagher has thanked Chelsea in an emotional farewell message after his transfer to Atletico Madrid was confirmed.
The 24-year-old has left Stamford Bridge in a reported £34m move after being threatened with a banishment from the first-team squad, having rejected new contract offers in west London. He was not included in the squad for their Premier League opener against Manchester City at the weekend.
Gallagher captained the Blues for large chunks of the 2023/24 campaign under former manager Mauricio Pochettino but now departs for Spain for the next chapter of his senior career. He came through the youth ranks at Chelsea, having started his association with the club at just six years of age, and has penned a thank you statement upon his departure.
He wrote on Instagram: “To everyone at Chelsea, thank you for making my dreams come true.
“It’s been an absolute honour every time I put on the shirt, and it was a dream come true to captain the team on many occasions. I loved every moment. These memories will last forever. I appreciate all the love and support from the fans. Hearing the chant of my name at the Bridge is a special feeling, and the banner you displayed meant the world to me.
“Thank you for everything. I wish the club all the best for the future, and I hope to see you all soon at Stamford Bridge!”
Gallagher made 95 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea, scoring ten goals, and was on the bench when they won the 2019 Europa League.
He joins an Atleti side hoping to improve on their finish of fourth in La Liga last season, having also exited the Champions League at the quarter-final stage. Manager Diego Simeone has also welcomed Robin Le Normand, Alexander Sorloth and Julian Alvarez to the Spanish capital so far this summer.
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