Atletico Madrid supporters made their feelings about Conor Gallagher evident during his La Liga debut last weekend.
After a drawn-out transfer saga, Gallagher made the move from Chelsea to Atletico this summer for a reported fee of around £34 million.
The midfielder signed a five-year deal with the Spanish club, who, on the same day, agreed to sell Joao Felix to Chelsea for approximately £42 million.
During his La Liga debut last weekend, Atletico fans expressed their thoughts on the new signing by chanting his name throughout the match ….
Gallagher entered the game in the 58th minute of Atletico’s 3-0 victory over Girona at home on Sunday.
Throughout his time on the field, fans kept chanting his name to show their support for the 24-year-old.
The Englishman had already received a warm welcome from the fans during his official presentation last Wednesday, where he made his first appearance at the Metropolitano stadium, arriving on the pitch flanked by two bikers on Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
Addressing the fans for the first time Gallagher, speaking in Spanish, said: “Hello, I don’t speak much Spanish. I am very happy. AUPA ATLETI!”
His statement caused a significant uproar among the fans present at the unveiling of most of Atletico’s summer signings for both the men’s and women’s teams.
The supporters appear to be so taken with their new midfielder that they’ve already given him an affectionate nickname, calling Gallagher ‘Guiri,’ which means tourist.
Gallagher came up through the Chelsea academy and eventually became a regular starter for his boyhood club, frequently wearing the captain’s armband during the 2023/24 season.
After his departure was confirmed, he expressed his gratitude to Chelsea fans in a post on Instagram.
He wrote: “To everyone at Chelsea, thank you for making my dreams come true. 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 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.”
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