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Conor · Gallagher's subtle sarcasm about Chelsea's summer departure

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Conor · Gallagher seems to have made a subtle dig into Chelsea as he looks back on his first month after joining Atletico Madrid for a £34 million transfer fee.

Conor Gallagher left Stamford Bridge in August, and as with Mason Mount a year ago, Chelsea were unable to agree a new contract with the homegrown midfielder, preferring to lose him when his contract expires in 2025. As the England international is a Cobham graduate, the big deal comes with the added benefit that the fee is considered "pure profit" under the profit and sustainability rules.

Conor · Gallagher's subtle sarcasm about Chelsea's summer departure

It was previously reported that Chelsea had only offered Conor Gallagher a two-year contract, with an option for a third year. It has resulted in a sizable salary increase, but the length pales in comparison to other contracts on the team that run through 2030 or more. He refused twice.

Conor · Gallagher's subtle sarcasm about Chelsea's summer departure

So when Conor Gallagher scored his first goal at Atletico at the weekend and told The Athletic a few days later that he "felt so much needed and appreciated" since his move to Madrid, fans couldn't help but think that it was at least partly a reference to the end of his time at Chelsea.

Conor · Gallagher's subtle sarcasm about Chelsea's summer departure

'It's important for any footballer,' he said of what it feels like to be valued by the club. Conor Gallagher has been at Chelsea for 18 years – and for most of his life, he didn't seem hesitant to talk about Atletico as an improvement in his career. 'Chelsea is a huge football club, one of the biggest clubs in the world, along with Atletico Madrid. But I've taken an exciting step to play in the Champions League and compete for trophies. It gives me more confidence and joy to play my best football," he said.

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