'Dreams come true' - Conor Gallagher's letter to Chelsea fans following £33m move to Atletico Madrid

After weeks of transfer speculation, deliberation and anticipation, Conor Gallagher has finally been announced as Atletico Madrid’s latest signing, leaving Chelsea after 16 years with the club.

The 24-year-old was a product of the Blues academy programme and went on to make 90 appearances for the side, scoring 10 goals in the process. After jumping up to the first team in 2019, Gallagher spent loan spells at Charlton Athletic, Swansea City, West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace before earning his place in the Stamford Bridge starting XI in 2022.

The England international then went on to captain the SW6 side for much of the 2023/24 season after injuries kept both club captain Reece James and vice-captain Ben Chilwell out of action.

However, his exit from the side has been an ongoing saga in this summer transfer window and while Gallagher prepares for life at the Estadio Cívitas Metropolitano, Joao Felix is set to make the move in the other direction, returning to Stamford Bridge following his 2023 loan spell at the club.

After confirming the move, Gallagher sent a message out to the Chelsea fanbase on his Instagram thanking them for their ongoing support.

“To everyone at Chelsea, thank you for making my dreams come true”, the midfielder said. “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.”

Gallagher was signed for a reported £33m but the deal was not easy to pull off after the collapse of Chelsea’s talks to sign Atleti striker Samu Omorodion delayed proceedings. Felix’s move in the opposite direction, however, freed up the funds necessary to sign the 18-time England international. Atleti’s next match takes place Sunday 25 August as they welcome Girona to Madrid.