Conor Gallagher breaks silence on Chelsea departure

Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher has refuted claims that he was not technically good enough to stay at Chelsea.

Gallagher was a regular fixture in Mauricio Pochettino's Chelsea side, starting all 37 of his Premier League appearances under the Argentine.

Despite being a key player under Pochettino, Gallagher was reportedly informed that he would be a squad player under new Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.

The Blues were ultimately willing to listen to offers for their academy product, especially as he had entered the final 12 months of his contract and had failed to reach an agreement over a new deal.

After being involved in a drawn-out saga, Gallagher finally completed a £33.7m move to Atletico earlier this month.

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Gallagher addresses claims over his technical ability

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.

Speaking ahead of the fixture, the midfielder has hit back at the suggestion he would was not technically good enough to succeed in Maresca's system.

"I don't think that's true, personally," Gallagher told reporters. "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."

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Gallagher still has "only got good things to say" about Chelsea

Gallagher insists that he has left Chelsea with "special memories" despite seemingly being pushed out of his boyhood club.

"Honestly, with Chelsea, I have only got good things to say," Gallagher added. "Amazing football club, my boyhood club where I grew up through the academy.

"I am so thankful and grateful for everything they did for me in the academy and the first team. As for the fans, last season especially they really warmed to me which made me feel confident and good and very happy as well. So I leave Chelsea with really special memories...the dream came through. The dream came true. So, I am very lucky."

After speaking about the past, Gallagher will be looking towards Saturday's fixture and will be hoping to earn his 19th cap for his country.

The Three Lions will face Ireland at the Aviva Stadium, before they return to Wembley for Tuesday's home meeting with Finland.

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