Conor Gallagher’s partner Aine May Kennedy shared a heartfelt message on social media following his move to Atletico Madrid.
The midfielder recently moved from Chelsea to the Spanish top club for £34 million after a lengthy and unsavory transfer story, ending his 18-year association with the Blues.
3
Gallagher was virtually forced out of his boyhood club after refusing to sign a new short-term contract.
The 24-year-old was excluded from first-team training when talks between the two teams briefly broke down after an initial swap deal involving Samu Omorodion fell through.
Ultimately, striker Joao Felix returned to Stamford Bridge from Atletico for £42.6 million, allowing Gallagher to finally move to the Spanish capital.
Read more about Conor Gallagher
He made his debut for the club on Sunday night in a 3-0 win over Girona, coming on as a substitute in the 58th minute and having his name chanted by the home crowd at the Wanda Metropolitano.
And after his perfect start to life with the Colchoneros, Gallagher’s model partner Kennedy shared her excitement for his new chapter on Instagram.
Alongside a photo of the couple boarding a plane to Madrid with their dog Freddy, she wrote the message: “Our little family on our next adventure together.”
Kennedy added the quote, “Home is not a place, it’s a feeling,” before thanking fans for their support of the couple.
She concluded by saying: “Thank you for all the beautiful messages of love and support. We are so happy to live in Spain and be part of Atletico Madrid.”
In a separate story, she also thanked Chelsea, its staff and fans.
Kennedy said: “A huge thank you to everyone at Chelsea Football Club.
3
“The staff and all the people working behind the scenes. They made every weekend so enjoyable!
“All the wonderful fans I have met and all the gifts you have given Conor to take home.
“And most importantly, all the AMAZING friends I’ve made. It’s been so nice getting to know each of you and your families.”
Gallagher himself had already announced the next phase of his career days earlier in a series of posts on Instagram.
He first said goodbye to Chelsea with an emotional video in which he thanked the club for its role in his journey from the club’s academy to the first team and left a touching message.
In the caption he wrote: “To everyone at Chelsea, thank you for making my dreams come true.
“Every time I put on the jersey it was an absolute honour and for me it was a dream come true to lead the team as captain several times. I enjoyed every moment.”
3
“These memories will last forever. I am grateful for all the love and support from the fans.”
“Hearing my name chanted 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 hope to see you all at Stamford Bridge soon!”
His tributes to the club didn’t stop there, as he later uploaded a heartwarming compilation featuring clips from his journey through the Blues’ youth team to becoming the club’s captain.
The midfielder then looked ahead to life with his new team with several posts in Atletico’s colours, including a video of him at the Wanda Metropolitano with the caption: “See you soon.”
Gallagher has started his time at Atleti in style and will be hoping to continue this strong form in his next game for Diego Simeone’s side when they face Espanyol in LaLiga on Wednesday.
The Englishman could make his first appearance for the club and will be looking to bring his trademark energy and dynamism to the ageing midfield in line with Simeone’s planned rejuvenation of his team.
Join the DUGOUT
Have your say on all things The Pitch Prospect by joining The DUGOUT – our new listener panel.
We are all about understanding your perspectives and making sure The Pitch Prospect is the best it can be. Your voice is important and we want to hear it!
Contribute your groundbreaking ideas and participate in fun polls, polls and locker room discussions.
By signing up you will be entered into a prize draw to win one of four £50 Amazon vouchers. For each additional survey you complete you will be entered into another prize draw.
To participate in the panel “The DUGOUT”, Click here.