ATLETICO MADRID have announced the arrival of Conor Gallagher.
The midfielder has finally completed a £34million switch from Chelsea after being frozen out at Stamford Bridge.
And the Spanish giants announced the capture with a cartoon drawing of an animal, captioning the post: “Beware of the pitbull.”
Gallagher, 24, has already started training where he has been re-united with former Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta, who has helped translate instructions.
Gallagher was subject to a bid from Atletico earlier this month amid interest from Aston Villa.
He even flew to Madrid to finalise the transfer, only for it to collapse as Samu Omorodion turned down the proposed swap deal.
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That left Gallagher in limbo and the midfielder was forced to return to London while the clubs thrashed out a deal.
Gallagher had met Atletico chiefs, players and even had a tour of the Metropolitano stadium before flying back.
Chelsea rescued the deal by offering £40m to sign Joao Felix.
Felix arrived in London on Tuesday and underwent a medical ahead of putting pen to paper on a six-year deal, with the option of a further year.
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Gallagher’s open letter to fans
“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 [against Spurs] 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.”
The Blues paid tribute to Gallagher and thanked him for his service following his departure after 18 years at the club.
The club said in a statement: “We wish Conor the very best as he begins a new chapter in his career.”
The player himself released an open letter to Chelsea fans.
Prior to his move Gallagher was placed in Chelsea’s ‘bomb squad’ – a group of players frozen out as the club tried to find ways to move them on.
The England star was banished from the first-team squad, meaning he was not allowed to train with manager Enzo Maresca or even enter the first-team building.
Gallagher will be one of many more leaving Stamford Bridge in the next few days as the club desperately try to trim their squad.
Where will they get changed? Jamie Carragher’s huge Chelsea rant
PREMIER LEAGUE legend Jamie Carragher let rip at Chelsea’s transfer market activity, going on an epic rant about the west Londoners…
He told Sky Sports: “Chelsea have just got to stop buying players and players have got to stop signing for Chelsea.
“If I was a player and look at Chelsea, why would you sign?
“The only reason you’d sign is because someone might say – your agent might say – ‘We’re getting a seven-year deal’.
“You know what I’d say? ‘Back yourself as a player, sign a four-year deal at a proper club and back yourself to do well’.
“And then when you’re due for renewal your money goes up anyway.
“I don’t understand why you’d sign a seven-year deal. Back yourself.”
He continued: “All players need competition. But every team I played in there were seven or eight players who knew they were playing every week.
“Then you’ve got six or seven players who are fighting for three positions, and then you’ve got another six players who know they are squad players.”
And of the Blues’ swollen array of talent, Carragher asked: “Where are they going to fit in the changing room?
“How are you going to put on a training session.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
