Conor Gallagher has addressed his situation with Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca following his forced move to Atletico Madrid during the summer transfer window.
After lengthy and somewhat difficult negotiations, Chelsea and Atletico Madrid agreed on a £36 million ($47 million) fee, though the transfer nearly collapsed at one point.
The England midfielder was left facing an uncertain future after being sidelined by Maresca, leading to his eventual departure.
Gallagher’s transfer has divided the Chelsea fanbase, with many expressing disappointment over losing a homegrown player at his prime. Gallagher himself felt that his performances, especially under former manager Mauricio Pochettino, were significant.
However, Chelsea’s need to reduce their wage bill and comply with the Premier League’s financial regulations pushed the club’s decision to let him go.
When Gallagher was asked about his opinion on Maresca’s thoughts that he does not fit into the Italian’s style of football, he said: “I don’t think that’s true personally.
I think last season I had a good season with Chelsea and you could see by Mauricio Pochettino playing me every game and showing his trust in me.
And 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.”
Gallagher had been associated with Chelsea since he was eight and despite the forced nature of his exit, Gallagher reflected on his time at Chelsea with pride, noting that it was always a dream of his to play for the club.
“Obviously in football, things happen. I have left Chelsea, but I look back at all my memories and I am really happy that I was able to play for them for the couple of years that I did. The dream came true. So I am very lucky,” he said.
“Honestly, with Chelsea, I have only got good things to say. Amazing football club, my boyhood club where I grew up through the academy. 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 and very happy as well so I leave Chelsea with really special memories.”