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Conor Gallagher Sends Message To Enzo Maresca Revealing The Story Behind His Chelsea Exit
Conor Gallagher has hit back at suggestions that Chelsea sold him to Atlético Madrid because they did not think the midfielder was technically good enough to play for Enzo Maresca.
Despite Gallagher’s key role under Mauricio Pochettino last season, his impressive form was not enough to stop his boyhood club from seeking offers for him this summer.
Chelsea could not agree a contract extension with the England international, whose deal was due to expire next year, and they excluded him from the first-team squad.
There was no shortage of interest in Gallagher, who was targeted by Aston Villa and Tottenham, and he completed a £34m move to Atlético last month.
Even though their manager, Diego Simeone, widely considered one of the best in the world, was eager to sign Gallagher, Chelsea reportedly determined that he was not well-suited to the possession-based style of play preferred by Maresca, who took over as head coach in June succeeding Pochettino.
“I don’t think that’s true,” Gallagher said. “Last season, I had a good season with Chelsea, and you could see by 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 was inevitable after Gallagher turned down Chelsea’s two-year deal with the option of an extra year. The club has handed some of their players eight-year deals. The apparent discrepancy was pointed out to Gallagher.
“Chelsea make their own decisions and they’ve brought in some top players on long contracts,” he said. “That wasn’t the situation with me but what happened is good for everyone.”
Gallagher, who is dedicated to learning Spanish, joined Chelsea at the age of six and was eager to avoid any conflict with his former club. “With Chelsea, I have only got good things to say,” he said.
“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 warmed to me, which made me feel confident and good.”
The chance to play for Simeone influenced Gallagher, who opened up on his first conversation with the Argentinian. “He was very welcoming and it was ‘Ready to get to work?’ basically,” he said.
“That’s what he’s like; that’s his character; he just wants everyone to work as hard as possible, to prepare for each game and to win, and that’s perfect for me.”
Now Gallagher will be a Champions League player at one of Spain’s biggest clubs and working with a “world-class” coach in Simeone.
He was also afforded an extraordinary “unveiling” as he was joined by a motorbike gang and with fireworks as he made his way onto the pitch at the Civitas Metropolitano stadium.
“It is not a thing they do in England, is it?” Gallagher says. “It was a bit of a surprise to me and made me feel excited. I could tell straight away how passionate the fans are even just from that.”
Conor Gallagher on England’s new Interm coach
Gallagher is eager to play when England kicks off their Nations League campaign against the Republic of Ireland this Saturday.
He mentioned that it feels strange not having Gareth Southgate anymore but expressed his satisfaction with Lee Carsley being appointed as the interim head coach.
“I know him well from the under-21s,” Gallagher said. “He was very good. Very honest and very demanding. But also very laid-back.
“He makes the players feel at ease when they’re speaking to him, which is a great way to be. I’m excited to work with Cars. He’s a top manager.”
Gallagher is eager to compete for a spot in England’s midfield struggling to make an impact during their journey to the Euro 2024 final.
He did not start in the tournament after being substituted at half-time in the goalless draw against Slovenia in the group stage, and he reflected on the defeat to Spain in the final.
“They were just fluid and they all knew what they were doing, whereas we weren’t as good at that.
“Then again, another day we could have won the game. We take a lot out of the tournament and into our next challenge.”
