Conor Gallagher has described captaining Chelsea as “a dream come true” after completing a £36 million move to Atletico Madrid.
The Spanish side finalised the deal for the England international by agreeing with the Blues to send striker Joao Felix in the opposite direction, allowing Gallagher to sign almost two weeks after he was pictured by Atleti at their Wanda Metropolitano stadium.
“To everyone at Chelsea, thank you for making my dreams come true,” the 24-year-old said on social media after ending his 16-year association with the Premier League club.
Welcome, Gallagher! ❤️🤍 pic.twitter.com/kYjYXPftRx
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) August 21, 2024
“It’s been an absolute honour every time I put on the shirt and it was a dream come true to captain the team on many occasions.
“I loved every moment. These memories will last forever. I appreciate all the love and support from the fans. Hearing the chant of my name at the Bridge is a special feeling.”
Gallagher said a huge banner of his likeness, unveiled by supporters at Stamford Bridge last season and bearing the words ‘Chelsea since birth’, had “meant the world” to him.
“Thank you for everything,” he added. “I wish the club all the best for the future, and I hope to see you all soon at Stamford Bridge.”
Thank you, and good luck, Conor. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/LZundZneOl
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 21, 2024
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Conor Gallagher stats
Gallagher started all 37 Premier League matches he was available for in 2023/24, captaining the Blues while scoring five times and providing seven assists.
The 24-year-old had been at Chelsea since 2008, including loan spells with Charlton Athletic, Swansea City, West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace since becoming a first-team squad member in 2019.
In his breakthrough season at Chelsea in 2022/23, Gallagher featured in all but four matches he was in contention for in all competitions, helping his side reach the Uefa Champions League quarter-finals.
With less than a year to run on his contract, Gallagher flew to Madrid earlier this month before the move almost fell through because it was contingent on Chelsea agreeing terms with Atleti striker Samu Omorodion.
Conor Gallagher visitó el Cívitas @Metropolitano mientras Atlético de Madrid y Chelsea FC ultiman su traspaso. pic.twitter.com/yKDEl9v3LA
— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) August 9, 2024
Conor Gallagher England career
The former England youth international made his senior Three Lions debut as a substitute in a 10-0 win over San Marino in November 2021.
Selection for the 2022 Fifa World Cup followed, where Gallagher was an unused substitute in all of England’s six matches in Qatar.
Former manager Gareth Southgate gave Gallagher 18 caps, starting him in their closing group-stage game against Slovenia at Euro 2024.
The move was part of an attempt by Southgate to find a defensive midfielder who could improve England’s cohesion, but Gallagher was withdrawn at half-time of the 0-0 draw.
Gallagher appeared again as a substitute in England’s quarter-final win over Slovakia and semi-final victory over the Netherlands.
