Conor Gallagher after his departure from Stamford Bridge this summer. He expressed his thoughts that he was more than good-enough to take part in Maresca’s squad or starting line-up.
The Englishman was chosen to be the skipper for the Blues by their previous coach Mauricio Pochettino.
However, both the parties failed to agree on terms for a contract extension this season. Therefore, urging Gallagher to prepare for an exit from his boyhood club this summer.
While finances played their part, there was also a suggestion that new boss Maresca didn’t feel Gallagher’s profile suited his possession-heavy tactics.
However, the 24-year-old has hit back at that notion. He said he would have been more than capable in Maresca’s side had he stayed around this summer.
Gallagher claimed that he also didn’t think that personally on the choice of Maresca not putting him in his short-listed crew.
The Englishman’s journey in England and Europe
The 24-year-old thought he had a pretty good last season with the Blues. Because of the trust and belief Pochettino had put in the midfielder allowing him to start in every possible game for Chelsea. He further believed that the fans also liked the fact of Gallagher starting and playing in almost every crucial game for the West Londoners.
Gallagher joined Chelsea at the age of six and was a boyhood fan. He achieved his dream of captaining the club. But Gallagher forced out in the summer as Chelsea’s hierarchy had to sell homegrown talent to try. And to balance the books because of their huge spending under owner Todd Boehly’s regime.
It ended in an ugly stand-off in Gallagher’s final season. But the England star insists he will always have affection for the club and the fans despite the way it ended.
Gallagher sealed a £34million move to Atletico Madrid in August. Amid questions around his suitability for the patient style of play favored by former Leicester boss Maresca.
Gallagher’s past and present
Gallagher had been associated with Chelsea since he was eight. Despite the forced nature of his exit, Gallagher reflected on his time at Chelsea with pride, noting that it was always a dream of his to play for the club.
Gallagher joined Chelsea at the age of six and progressed through the ranks before making 95 senior appearances for the Blues between 2019 and 2024.
He enjoyed success throughout his time in their Academy. Twice winning the FA Youth Cup and Under-18 Premier League and lifting the Under-18 Premier League Cup. At the end of the 2018/19 campaign, Conor’s named as Chelsea Academy Player of the Year.
He embarked on his first loan spell the following season. During which he impressed at Charlton Athletic and then at Swansea City. He where he helped the Welsh club finish in the Championship play-off positions.
He captained the side regularly under Mauricio Pochettino. Last season as skipper Reece James battled a series of injuries, only to find himself out of favour when Maresca replaced the Argentine.
Now at Atletico Madrid, Gallagher has a new challenge ahead of him as he adapts to a different style of football in La Liga. Their next fixture is against Valencia on September 15. Gallagher will be hoping to give a good account of himself at the Wanda Metropolitano.
After being exiled by Blues head coach Enzo Maresca. With the England international made to train away from the first-team squad, Gallagher finally got the move he desired. Now, he is starting a new chapter in his footballing career – with a great opportunity at his feet.
Before Gallagher returns to Madrid to play for Atletico. The midfielder could feature for England in their Nations League matches against the Republic of Ireland on Saturday and Finland on Tuesday.
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