Conor Gallagher rubbishes Chelsea exit theory

Conor Gallagher's move to Atletico Madrid was one of the moves of the summer. The England international flew to the Spanish capital and came to train with Diego Pablo Simeone's side before he was forced to return home due to a lack of progress. Finally, with the departure of a number of players from the Spanish club, the transfer was unblocked and he was able to fulfil his desire to join the Metropolitano outfit.

Since then, there has been a growing feeling among English fans that Chelsea let him leave because he was not technically good enough for the football Maresca wanted to implement, something Gallagher has spoken about at a press conference with his national team: "That's not true. I had a good year last season and Pochettino trusted me and put me in the team almost every game. The fans were pleased with my play and for that I am grateful, both to them and also to the manager for giving me the space to play my best.

"Chelsea make their own decisions and one of them is to sign top players on long contracts. It wasn't what happened with me, but the situation in the end was good for all parties,’ said the Atletico Madrid midfielder.

Elsewhere, Gallagher spoke of his arrival at the Madrid club and gave a description of the Diego Pablo Simeone that everyone knows: "He was very welcoming, but he immediately asked me if I was ready to work. That's the way he is, that's his character. He wants everyone to work as hard as they can and prepare for every game with the sole aim of winning".