Conor Gallagher is already feeling at home after swapping Chelsea for Atletico Madrid, having received a rousing welcome at his unveiling at the Civitas Metropolitano on Friday.
Gallagher, who joined Chelsea at the age of six, left in a €42million (£35.5m) deal on Wednesday, penning a five-year deal with LaLiga giants Atleti.
The 24-year-old joined Atleti s other new signings – including former Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez – in being presented to fans at Los Colchoneros stadium on Friday.
Speaking after the event, the England international said: It was amazing, I enjoyed every minute, it was a good sign of what is to come from the fans.
They made me feel at home and it gave me a lot of excitement to be able to play the games in this stadium and give everything in every game.
Gallagher s move to Spain was initially delayed due to the collapse of a transfer that would have taken Samu Omorodion in the other direction, only for Joao Felix s return to Stamford Bridge to facilitate an agreement.
Gallagher was always confident things would work out, saying: I wanted to come to the club and I saw the club wanted me too.
Conor Gallagher. Our number 4.
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish)
I knew it was going to work out and I m very happy.
The midfielder then added that Atletico coach Diego Simeone was a major reason for his determination to seal the move.
He s one of the best in the world and I m really looking forward to playing for him, Gallagher said.
I think I fit in quite well with the way he plays and he appreciates that I give my all. These first few days have been difficult, it s very hot, but I m going to get used to it.
I m very excited about all of this, not just playing for this great club. Playing in a different country, living in a different country
I have to learn Spanish quickly because it will help me and my coach in everything I do on the pitch.
