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Former Chelsea midfielder Emmanuel Petit has expressed his disappointment at Conor Gallagher's move to Atletico Madrid. The Frenchman admitted that he was 'very upset' at his former club for letting the boyhood Blue leave.
Conor Gallagher came through the ranks at Chelsea, spending his formative years at the Academy. He went on loan to other English sides Charlton Athletic, Swansea City, West Brom and Crystal Palace before finally making his debut with the Blues in 2022.
The 24-year-old played for the first team since then and even captained the side last season. However, with his contract winding down and a change in playing style under new coach Enzo Maresca, Gallagher was allowed to leave for Atletico Madrid.
Petit, who also played in Spain with Barcelona, slammed the Blues for letting the talented youngster leave. Mundo Deportivo quoted Petit as saying on the Seaman Says podcast:
"I was very, very upset about the situation because he is really a player I like. Conor Gallagher was one of the best players last season, along with Cole Palmer, and he was on the transfer list!"
Petit sent a warning to his former club, explaining how important it is for Premier League clubs and their supporters to have English players in their teams.
"You know how important it is to have some English players for the fans, the identity, the DNA, for everything. I think it’s very important, so they have to be very careful," said Petit.
Atletico Madrid reportedly had to fork out around €42 million for Gallagher's services. He added that the price paid for "one of the best players last season" was "very low".
"They sold Gallagher, one of the best players last season, for a very low price, 42 million euros. And when you look at the money they spent over the last three or four seasons, I think: 'what the hell?'" admitted Petit
Gallagher signed for Atletico Madrid in a deal that saw Joao Felix move to Stamford Bridge.
"Chelsea make their own decisions" - Gallagher
Under new ownership, Chelsea have been handing out longer contracts with some of Gallagher's former teammates receiving eight-year deals. The Englishman, however, was offered a two-year contract with an option for another year, which was promptly rejected by the player.
The Guardian report Gallagher pointing out the discrepancy in contracts that he and his teammates got.
"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," Gallagher revealed.
He, however, expressed his gratitude towards the club for his development.
"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," he added.
The former Chelsea midfielder has signed a five-year deal with Diego Simeone's side.
