Conor Gallagher Speaks Out After Chelsea Transfer

Conor Gallagher insists he bears no grudge against Chelsea after his summer transfer to Atletico Madrid.

What happened?

Gallagher, a boyhood Chelsea fan, joined Atletico Madrid last month in a deal worth €42million.

He turned down three offers of a two-year contract extension, with a club option to add a further year.

Chelsea ultimately decided to sell the England midfielder rather than risk losing him on a free transfer.

Why it matters for Conor Gallagher

Gallagher has helped Atletico win their first two games of the La Liga season.

He refused to criticise his old club's handling of his departure, despite suggestions he was too limited technically to fit into new manager Enzo Maresca's system.

Gallagher said he had a good season with Chelsea under Mauricio Pochettino, who showed his trust in him by playing him every game.

What comes next?

Gallagher spoke at a press conference ahead of England's Nations League game against the Republic of Ireland on Saturday.

He said he leaves Chelsea with special memories, having progressed through the club's academy to the first team.

Gallagher is 24 years old and has made a strong start to his Atletico Madrid career.

Chelsea have added to their options by signing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Leicester, Joao Felix from Atletico, and Pedro Neto from Wolves.

Gallagher's transfer was a messy end to his time at Chelsea, but he is focused on his future with Atletico Madrid and the England national team.