Conor Gallagher has opened up about his move to Atletico Madrid, revealing details of a meeting with Diego Simeone that cemented his decision to join the Spanish club. Gallagher shared how Simeone assured him that Atletico was determined to bring him back to Madrid after the midfielder had to go back to London as the transfer was about to fail. “Before I returned to London due to complications in the deal between Atleti and Chelsea, I had a meeting with Cholo Simeone” Gallagher said. “He told me: We’ll make sure to sign you, all you have to do is be ready when you come back to Madrid.”
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Gallagher expressed pride but knew it was time to move on when reflecting on his time at Chelsea. “When I look back at my memories at Chelsea, I’m very proud and honoured” he said. “But it was time to move on, and Atleti is the perfect club to make the next chapter in my career. I feel very lucky to be here.”
Diego Simeone has praised Gallagher’s qualities, highlighting the importance of his arrival at Atletico. “Conor Gallagher is a hardworking player, with quality, a good presence, recovers balls, and always gives his maximum in every situation” said the Atletico manager. “He came with a lot of enthusiasm, and we need that kind of player in the midfield because he makes us better.”
Gallagher and fellow new signing Julian Alvarez both scored their debut goals for Atletico during the club’s convincing 3-0 win over Valencia at the weekend. Atletico Madrid now turn their attention to the Champions League, where they will face RB Leipzig in their opening match later today at the Metropolitano Stadium.