Former Chelsea captain Conor Gallagher was unveiled in front of thousands of Atletico Madrid fans at the Estadio Metropolitano on Wednesday night.
Just hours after his £34m move from Stamford Bridge was finalised, the 24-year-old England international stepped onto the pitch at his new home.
Gallagher, who was flanked by motorbikes and fireworks as part of a flashy ceremony, waved to his new supporters as he walked to the centre circle in his new No. 4 jersey.
He later thrilled a raucous crowd by delivering a 10-word message in Spanish.
Gallagher said: ‘Hi. I don’t speak much Spanish. I’m very happy. Go Athletes!’ That message in English roughly translates to: ‘Hi. I don’t speak much Spanish. I’m very happy. Go Athletes!’
Conor Gallagher greets fans during his presentation at Atletico Madrid on Wednesday
![Conor Gallagher thrills Atletico Madrid fans by delivering a 10-word message in Spanish as the former Chelsea captain is unveiled alongside former Man City striker Julian Alvarez 7 Gallagher spoke briefly in Spanish, to the delight of the crowd at the Metropolitano Stadium.](https://whatsnew2day.com/wp-content/uploads/cwv-webp-images/2024/08/1724281166_846_Conor-Gallagher-thrills-Atletico-Madrid-fans-by-delivering-a-10-word.jpg.webp)
Gallagher spoke briefly in Spanish, to the delight of the crowd at the Metropolitano Stadium.
Gallagher was one of four new signings unveiled on Wednesday after Atletico spent more than £150m this summer.
Argentine striker Julian Alvarez was also unveiled following his transfer from Manchester City for an initial fee of £64m.
The other new players on display were Norwegian striker Alexander Sorloth (£27m from Villarreal) and Spanish defender Robin Le Normand (£29m from Real Sociedad).
Atlético finished fourth in La Liga last season, the club’s lowest finish since 2012.
They have been champions of Spain twice during that period: in 2014 and 2021.
![Conor Gallagher thrills Atletico Madrid fans by delivering a 10-word message in Spanish as the former Chelsea captain is unveiled alongside former Man City striker Julian Alvarez 9 Gallagher was one of three summer signings unveiled to the public on Wednesday night.](https://whatsnew2day.com/wp-content/uploads/cwv-webp-images/2024/08/1724281168_563_Conor-Gallagher-thrills-Atletico-Madrid-fans-by-delivering-a-10-word.jpg.webp)
Gallagher was one of three summer signings unveiled to the public on Wednesday night.
![Conor Gallagher thrills Atletico Madrid fans by delivering a 10-word message in Spanish as the former Chelsea captain is unveiled alongside former Man City striker Julian Alvarez 11 Julián Álvarez was also presented to Atlético fans during the event on Wednesday night.](https://whatsnew2day.com/wp-content/uploads/cwv-webp-images/2024/08/1724281170_487_Conor-Gallagher-thrills-Atletico-Madrid-fans-by-delivering-a-10-word.jpg.webp)
Julián Álvarez was also presented to Atlético fans during the event on Wednesday night.
Simeone’s side began the 2024-25 campaign with a 2-2 draw at Villarreal on Monday, with Alvarez, Sorloth and Le Normand involved.
They will now host Girona on Sunday, where Gallagher could make his debut.