I'M MAD FOR IT

Gallagher believes move to Atletico can boost his England career

- John Cross

AFTER a turbulent summer it was an “amazing” moment that made Conor Gallagher feel at home again.

More than 30,000 Atletico Madrid fans turned up at the Metropolitano to welcome the club’s new buys, with Julian Alvarez also among those unveiled last month.

Gallagher has been nicknamed the “pitbull” for his playing style and he quickly endeared himself to the supporters by learning some of the language to announce to the crowd, “Hello, I don’t speak much Spanish. I am very happy. Aupa Atleti! (Up the Atletico).”

This is a huge chance for the England midfielder to play at the highest level, work under head coach Diego Simeone and develop as a player.

As he prepared for tomorrow’s Nations League clash with the Republic of Ireland, the 24-year-old said: “It was amazing, a really good experience, the first time meeting Atletico fans.