Why I left Chelsea – Gallagher

Former Chelsea midfielder, Conor Gallagher has opened up on the reason for his Chelsea exit.

Speaking in a news conference ahead of England’s Nations League game against the Republic of Ireland, the 24-year-old refused to criticise Chlesea’s handling of his exit.

Gallagher said he only has positive things to say about his time at the club despite his tumultuous exit during the summer transfer window.

At his boyhood club, under manager Mauricio Pochettino, Gallagher proved himself as a pivotal player for Chelsea but failed to prove his worth in the eyes of new manager Enzo Maresca.

He said Chelsea’s new policy to sign players on long contracts was the main reason why he left Chelsea.

“Why Chelsea sold me? Clubs make their own decisions and they have brought in some top players on long contracts.

“That wasn’t the situation with me but, in the end, what happened is good for everyone, so everyone is happy,” he said.

The midfielder has hit back at the suggestion he was not technically good enough to succeed in Maresca’s system.

“Honestly, with Chelsea I have only got good things to say. I leave Chelsea with really special memories. The dream came true. So, I am very lucky.

“I think last season I had a good season with Chelsea and you could see by Pochettino playing me every game and showing his trust in me.

“And the fans appreciated what I did on the pitch. I’m very grateful for all of that and very thankful to the fans, and very thankful to Pochettino for giving me that platform to go and express myself and show the best version of myself at Chelsea,” Gallagher said.

Recall that Gallagher signed with Atlético Madrid in August after turning down three offers of a two-year contract extension, with a club option to add a further year after many teammates were given much longer contract extensions.

The England international turned down three offers of a two-year contract extension, with a club option to add a further year after many teammates were given much longer contract extensions.

Having made a couple of appearances for Atleti, Gallagher is currently with Lee Carsley’s England squad preparing for Saturday’s UEFA Nations League clash with the Republic of Ireland.