Conor Gallagher has pushed back on the idea that Chelsea sold him to Atletico Madrid because of his lack of technical ability.
talkSPORT understands the 24-year-old was told after the arrival of new Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca that he would not be a regular starter.
Despite playing a key role for Mauricio Pochettitino last season, the Blues put him on the transfer list after failing to agree a contract extension.
It is understood the Chelsea hierarchy expected Gallagher to become a squad player under Maresca’s possession-based style of football.
But addressing his exit for the first time, the midfielder denied having any technical shortcomings.
Gallagher said: “I don’t think that’s true.
“Last season I had a good season with Chelsea and you could see Pochettino playing me every game and showing his trust in me.
“The fans appreciated what I did on the pitch.
“I’m very grateful for all of that and very thankful to the fans, and very thankful to Pochettino for giving me that platform to go and express myself and show the best version of myself at Chelsea.”
A move away from Stamford Bridge looked likely after Gallagher pushed back Chelsea’s offer of a two-year deal with the option for an extra year.
After 18 years at the club, Gallagher was understood to be disappointed with the short-term nature of the deal, given teammates were being handed eight-year contracts.
On this discrepancy, Gallagher said: “Chelsea make their own decisions and they’ve brought in some top players on long contracts.
3
“This wasn’t the situation with me but what happened is good for everyone.
“With Chelsea, I have only got good things to say.
“I am so thankful and grateful for everything they did for me in the academy and the first team.
“As for the fans, last season especially they really warmed to me, which made me feel confident and good.”
Gallagher began his career with Chelsea, spending time on loan at Championship clubs such as Charlton Atheltic and Swansea City.
He was also loaned out to Premier League sides (at the time) West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace between 2019 and 2022.
During his time at Palace, he was named the club’s Player of the Year for the 2021-22 season.
He subsequently made his first-team Chelsea debut during the 2022-23 season.
Gallagher has also represented England at various levels, making his debut for the senior national team in November 2021.
He featured in England’s squad at both the 2022 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2024.
3
The midfielder has been included in the current England squad ahead of their Nations League campaign which gets underway this weekend.
The Three Lions take on Republic of Ireland at 5pm at the Aviva Stadium, in Dublin.
