Conor Gallagher has insisted that he could have played for Enzo Maresca at Chelsea after being sold this summer.
Gallagher left Chelsea in the summer transfer window to sign for Atletico Madrid in a £33m deal, with the midfielder allowed to leave after the appointment of new head coach Maresca.
The 24-year-old had been a key player under former manager Mauricio Pochettino, though Chelsea were unable to agree a contract extension with the player, who had entered the final season of his deal at Stamford Bridge.
It has been suggested that Chelsea were willing to cash in on Gallagher amid concerns over his ability to play in Maresca’s possession-based system. However, the England international has refuted those claims and believes he is more than capable of adapting to different demands.
“I don’t think that’s true,” Gallagher said.
“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. 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.
“Chelsea make their own decisions and they’ve brought in some top players on long contracts. That wasn’t the situation with me but what happened is good for everyone.
“With Chelsea I have only got good things to say. 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.”
