Conor Gallagher has responded to claims that Chelsea sold him to Atletico Madrid because they believed he wasn’t technically adept enough to fit into Enzo Maresca’s style of play.
Despite being a crucial player under Mauricio Pochettino last season, Gallagher’s impressive performances did not prevent Chelsea from considering offers for him this summer.
Chelsea and Gallagher could not agree on a contract extension, with his current deal set to expire next year.
Consequently, he was left out of the first-team squad.
Gallagher attracted significant interest from several clubs, including Aston Villa and Tottenham, before completing a £34m transfer to Atlético Madrid last month.
Atlético’s manager, Diego Simeone, widely regarded as one of the best in the world, was enthusiastic about signing Gallagher.
However, reports suggested that Chelsea’s decision to sell was influenced by their assessment that Gallagher did not fit the possession-based football preferred by Maresca, who succeeded Pochettino as head coach in June.
“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.”
He added; “I don’t think that’s true.
“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 became inevitable after Gallagher rejected Chelsea’s two-year contract with an option for an additional year.
The club has offered some players contracts lasting up to eight years, and Gallagher noted this apparent discrepancy.
“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.
“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 really warmed to me, which made me feel confident and good.”
On the chance to play for Diego Simeone, Gallagher said: “He was very welcoming and it was ‘Ready to get to work?’ basically.
“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.”
Conor Gallagher hopes to be included when England begins their Nations League campaign away to the Republic of Ireland on Saturday.
He admitted that it feels strange not having Gareth Southgate as manager but expressed his satisfaction with Lee Carsley’s appointment as interim head coach.
“I know him really well from the under-21s,” Conor 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 really excited to work with Cars. He’s a top manager.
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