Conor Gallagher releases emotional statement after move from Chelsea

Conor Gallagher has released an emotional statement after completing his move from Chelsea to Atletico Madrid.

Gallagher has joined Atletico on a five-year deal, having essentially been forced out as Chelsea look to trim their squad and balance their books - with the Blues bidding to part ways with eight stars as part of a £200million firesale. The midfielder was entering the final year of his contract and his sale counts as pure profit for the club as he came through their academy.

And in a heartfelt statement following his exit, Gallagher thanked the Chelsea fans for "making my dreams come true". In a video posted on Instagram, he said: "To everyone at Chelsea Football Club and especially the fans, I want to say thank you for everything in the last 18 years..

"You made my dreams come true and I'll forever be grateful. I want to wish you all the best for the future and I'll see you soon." Accompanying the video, Gallagher wrote: "To everyone at Chelsea, thank you for making my dreams come true.

"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, and the banner you displayed meant the world to me. Thank you for everything. I wish the club all the best for the future, and I hope to see you all soon at Stamford Bridge!"

Gallagher is the latest in a long list of academy graduates to have been sold by Chelsea under the new regime, following the exits of Billy Gilmour, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Mason Mount, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Ian Maatsen and Lewis Hall.

And former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin has criticised the club for selling Gallagher, telling BBC Sport : "The 'legacy' fans are particularly distraught, but they also understand this is little more than pure economics.

"He is a home-grown talent, 'straight outta Cobham', as it were and that means he represents pure profit when he is sold on. The club needs the Gallagher income to boost the coffers having spent more than a billion pounds, only to discover they have the looming Premier League PSR to consider.

"The England star, the club's most committed performer last season, a sometime captain and a true fans favourite is the next one to be nudged out. I would wish Conor the best whether he ended up in a Spanish villa or Aston Villa. He just needs somewhere his talents and fabulous attitude are valued."

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