Conor Gallagher is quickly winning over his new fans, and it’s clear that Atlético Madrid supporters are reciprocating the affection.
The England midfielder made his debut for the club on Sunday evening, playing against Girona at the Wanda Metropolitano, where they secured a 3-0 victory.
Conor Gallagher is already a big fans’ favourite in MadridCredit: Getty
Though initially starting on the bench, Gallagher made his entrance shortly before the hour mark, replacing Rodrigo Riquelme.
His arrival delighted the Atlético fans, who had been eagerly anticipating a glimpse of their new signing and greeted him with songs.
With Diego Simeone’s squad already leading 2-0, Gallagher was brought on down the left flank and instantly captured the fans’ hearts by showcasing his remarkable work rate. He aggressively pressured the opposition, causing them immediate discomfort.
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Demonstrating excellent ball control, the midfielder achieved a remarkable pass completion rate of 90 percent.
Clearly delighted by his performance, clips shared on social media depicted Atletico Madrid supporters chanting Gallagher’s name following a strong debut.
Gallagher finalized his transfer to Madrid last week, with the deal reported to be valued at £34 million.
Having spent 18 years at Chelsea, he was essentially forced out, a move that left fans feeling discontented, as many considered the 24-year-old to be one of their own.
Since his transfer, Gallagher has received mentorship from Chelsea icon Cesar Azpilicueta, and he expressed his happiness regarding the move to Spain.
After his unveiling, Gallagher shared: “I enjoyed every moment of it. I was always confident that the deal would go through because of how much I wanted to be at the club and how strongly the club felt about me joining, so I had a good sense it would happen, although these processes take time.”
“I am extremely pleased that it is finally resolved.
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Gallagher made an immediate impact when coming off the benchCredit: Getty
“The entire experience truly excites me: playing for such a prestigious club while living in a new country, a vibrant city, and embracing a different language. These aspects thrill both me and my partner.
“I know I must learn Spanish quickly, and I’m eager to take on this challenge.
“The culture here contrasts greatly with London—its lifestyle is refreshingly different, and I genuinely enjoy it. Every single player has been incredibly welcoming. I look forward to forming friendships with all my teammates.”
Gallagher will be accompanied in Spain by his partner, Aine May, and their dog.
Sharing a photo of themselves beside a private plane, the Irish influencer conveyed to her 67,000 followers on Instagram: “Our little family is embarking on our next adventure together. Home isn’t merely a physical space; it’s a feeling.”
“I appreciate all the kind messages of love and support. We are thrilled to start our life in Spain and become part of Atletico Madrid.”
She also expressed gratitude to Chelsea in a separate post, acknowledging the staff and fans who cherished Gallagher.
