Conor Gallagher is already endearing himself to his new supporters after Atletico Madrid’s fans serenaded him on his debut.
The England midfielder made his Atletico bow on Sunday evening as they took on Girona at the Wanda Metropolitano – a match that they won 3-0.
While initially named on the bench, Gallagher was introduced just before the hour-mark as he replaced Rodrigo Riquelme.
His introduction came much to the delight of the Atletico fans who had clearly been waiting all evening to get a glimpse of their new signing.
With Diego Simeone‘s side already 2-0 up, Gallagher was introduced down the left side and immediately got fans onside by showing his incredible work rate as he closed down the opposition with aggression and put them under immediate pressure.
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Keeping the ball well, the midfielder came away with a pass completion rate of 90 per cent.
Clearly impressed with what they’d seen, footage posted on social media showed the Atletico Madrid fans singing Gallagher’s name after a successful first outing.
Gallagher completed his move to Madrid last week in a deal worth £34million.
He was effectively forced out at Chelsea after 18 years at the club, a decision that left a sour taste in the mouths of fans who saw the 24-year-old as one of their own.
Since moving, Gallagher has been taken under the wing of Chelsea legend Cesar Azpilicueta, with the midfielder saying that he’s delighted with his move to Spain.
Speaking after his unveiling, Gallagher said: “I loved every minute of it. I was always confident that the deal would be done because of how much I wanted to come to the club and how much the club felt like they wanted me so I kind of knew it was going to happen but these things take time.
“I am so happy that it is finally done.
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“The whole thing really excites me: not just playing for this massive club but living in a different country, a different city, [with] a different language. All these things really excite me and my partner.
“I need to learn Spanish quickly, and it is something I am looking forward to.
“The culture is very different from London, the way of life, but I love it. Every single player has been super-friendly. I look forward to building a friendship with all the players.”