Conor Gallagher hits back at incorrect suggestions over Chelsea exit

Conor Gallagher has dismissed suggestions he wouldn't have fit into Enzo Maresca's team at Chelsea following his summer transfer to Atletico Madrid.

The 24-year-old endured a difficult window after representing England at Euro 2024. Having failed to agree a new contract with the Blues, Gallagher was warned he would face a training ground exile if he didn't leave Stamford Bridge amid interest from Spain.

After a protracted saga, the former Crystal Palace loanee joined Atletico in a deal reportedly worth £34m and has since made two appearances in La Liga, helping Diego Simeone's side to a pair of wins.

It was claimed by some that Gallagher wouldn't have jelled under the possession-heavy Maresca but he has rubbished those suggestions, insisting his performances last season show he had what it takes to play for Chelsea every week.

The midfielder said: "I don't think that's true personally. I think last season I had a good season with Chelsea as you could see by playing me every game and showing his trust in me. And the fans appreciated what I did on the pitch too.

"I'm very grateful for all of that and very thankful to the fans. And very thankful to [Mauricio] Pochettino for giving me that platform to go and express myself and show the best version of myself at Chelsea.

"Chelsea make their own decisions and they've brought in some top players on long contracts. That wasn't the situation with me but, in the end, what happened is good for everyone, so everyone is happy."

No player made more appearances in all competitions for Chelsea last season than Gallagher, who also captained the team regularly under former boss Pochettino.

However, he has defended his childhood club and claimed the situation has worked out well for all parties involved.

He added: "In football, things happen. With my situation, I've left Chelsea but I look back at all my memories and I'm really happy I was able to play for them for the couple of years I did.

"It was a dream come true. I'm very lucky.

"As everyone knows, there was a lot going on over the few weeks that it was all happening with Chelsea and Atletico trying to agree a deal. Other situations came into it. But I was always very calm about the situation and I'm really happy with the outcome."

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