Ex-Chelsea star Conor Gallagher already has his own song at Atletico Madrid as he’s serenaded by packed stadium on debut
CONOR GALLAGHER appears to already be a fan favourite at Atletico Madrid after being serenaded with his own song.
Gallagher, 24, made his Atletico bow on Sunday evening in the club’s 3-0 win over Girona in La Liga.
Gallagher was given 32 minutes by new boss Diego Simeone as he replaced Rodrigo Riquelme down the left flank.
He completed a £34million move to Spain from Chelsea and was presented to fans for the first time last Wednesday.
Gallagher got to work almost immediately after his introduction at the Wanda Metropolitano as he showed his work rate by putting the opposition under pressure.
And while the English midfielder admitted in his presentation that he did not speak much Spanish, he would not have needed a translator to understand the chant the Atletico faithful sang for him.
In a viral social media clip from inside the stadium, the fans could be heard singing: “Conor Gallagher duh duh duh duh duh duh.”
Gallagher – who is being tutored by former Blues team-mate Cesar Azpilicueta – also came away from the match winning two tackles and three duels.
On his debut, Simeone said: “[Gallagher] came on with a lot of energy.
“That’s what we’ll get from him. He needs a bit of time to get used to opponents and to his team-mates.
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“With his enthusiasm and passion, we have to help him so that adrenaline is positive for the team.”
The Argentine boss heaped praise on Gallagher before the game, suggesting his versatility was a big reason why he was signed as he hinted at Gallagher possibly playing as a “second striker”.
Gallagher’s warm reception will have been a nice change from the cold way he was dealt with at Chelsea.
The Cobham graduate was effectively pushed out of the door following 18 years at the club after being banished to training with the Under-21s before his departure.
The England international’s debut also came alongside former Manchester City star Julian Alvarez, who made his full debut in front of the home crowd as he started up front with Antoine Griezmann.
Atletico Madrid’s next game is against Espanyol on Wednesday before a visit to Athletic Bilbao on Saturday evening.