Conor Gallagher has teamed up with a familiar face as he adjusts to life at Atletico Madrid.
The midfielder ended a lengthy transfer saga by signing a five-year deal with the Spanish giants for a transfer fee estimated at £34 million.
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It has been a summer of discontent for Gallagher, who was part of the England team that lost to Spain in the 2024 European Championship final before his move to LaLiga initially stalled.
Gallagher returned to London from Madrid and was forced to train with Chelsea’s under-21 team, despite having been with the club since he was six years old.
But on Wednesday, the 24-year-old’s wish finally came true and he moved to the Spanish capital.
And after agreeing personal terms, he was right in the thick of the action with his first training session before his transfer was announced.
Gallagher knows he has to try to learn the Spanish language as quickly as possible, but a former Chelsea star is happy to help him.
Former Blues captain Cesar Azpilicueta stayed by Gallagher’s side during training on Wednesday morning to help translate instructions from the coaching staff.
In a video posted by Spanish media Mundo Deportivo, Azpilicueta can be seen explaining drills in English so that Gallagher can get an idea of what is expected.
The Spaniard’s support will no doubt be a great help to Gallagher, whose turbulent summer now finally seems to be over.
Azpilicueta moved from Stamford Bridge to Atletico Madrid last summer and knows all about Gallagher’s qualities from their time together in West London.
Coach Diego Simeone hopes the Englishman can hit the ground running and Azpilicueta could play a big role in speeding up his adjustment period.
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Gallagher could make his debut on Sunday when Atletico host Girona, the surprise package of last season’s LaLiga. Girona finished third in only their second season back in the top flight after being promoted in 2022.
If Gallagher cannot make it to the Girona match, the midfielder will be hoping to get his first taste of the Cívitas Metropolitano when Espanyol visit next Wednesday.
All eyes will be on the Madrid derby when Gallagher faces his Three Lions teammate Jude Bellingham on September 29.