Conor Gallagher explains how he already ‘feels at home’ with Atletico Madrid following controversial summer exit from Chelsea

The 24-year-old finally swapped Chelsea for Atletico late last month in what was a topsy-turvy transfer saga. Upon his arrival, more than 30,000 fans turned out at their Metropolitano Stadium to greet the new recruit. After just two appearances at the Spanish side, he admits he is settling in nicely in his new surroundings.

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  WHAT CONOR GALLAGHER SAID

  He said, via The Mirror: “It was amazing, really good experience. First time meeting Atletico Madrid fans and it was a really warm welcome. They made me feel at home right away and it was really nice for me and all the other signings. We really enjoyed it. it is not a thing they do in England, is it? It was a bit of a surprise to me and made me feel really excited. I could tell straight away how passionate the fans are even just from yet so it built my excitement up even more to start playing the games. I learned a couple of sentences in the car on the way to the stadium. I worked out what I was gonna say. I was pretty nervous but it managed to come out okay so I was happy about that.”

  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Gallagher was involved in one of the biggest ‘will he, won’t he?’ transfer dramas of the summer. At one moment, the former Crystal Palace loanee was leaving Chelsea, and then the transfer seemed on the verge of collapsing. After being exiled by Blues head coach Enzo Maresca, with the England international made to train away from the first-team squad, Gallagher finally got the move he desired. Now, he is starting a new chapter in his footballing career – with a great opportunity at his feet.

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    WHAT NEXT?

    Before Gallagher returns to Madrid to play for Atletico, the midfielder could feature for England in their Nations League matches against the Republic of Ireland on Saturday and Finland on Tuesday.