Conor Gallagher speaks on Spain, England and more

You seem really settled in Spain since your move from Chelsea. What it was like when you were first introduced to the Atletico Madrid fans?

It was amazing, a really good experience. It was a really warm welcome, and it made me feel at home straight away. So it was really nice for me and all the other signings. 

It must be nice to receive such a welcome as player unveilings are not something we’re accustomed to in England…

It’s not really a thing in England is it, so it was a bit of a surprise to me. I was really excited for it, and I could tell right away how passionate the fans are, just from that. It built up my excitement even more to start playing the games.

How is it going with learning the language, as it’s quite an important part of settling in?

It’s definitely something I’m working hard to do. I learned a couple of sentences in the car on the way to the stadium, what I was gonna say at my first press conference. I was pretty nervous but it managed to come out alright. I continue to have lessons and I’m learning the language. And of course, it’s going to help me on the pitch as well as off it, with the manager and the whole group. There’s still a lot of people who can speak English, who can speak to me and help me, so it’s no problem at all. 

Did you ever imagine that you’d end up playing abroad? 

I didn’t when I was young, but as I grew up I kind of opened up my options and looked at the bigger picture. The idea excited me, and as soon as I heard Atletico were interested in me it really excited me, and I was really happy to join the club. It’s an amazing club in an amazing city.  

What was the first thing Diego Simeone said to you upon your arrival at Atletico?

He was just very welcoming and ready to get to work basically. That’s what he’s like, that’s his character, he wants everyone to work as hard as possible, to prepare for each game and then win. And I think that’s perfect for me, he seems like a really good guy, and of course, he’s an amazing manager.

It must give you confidence to know he will be able to help develop you as a player because of his stellar track record…

Exactly, and he is one of the best managers in the world, I already love how he is, with me and with the team. I’m looking forward to working with him for years to come.

Do you feel like you now have a fresh start now with England as well as at club level?

Of course. I’ll always work as hard as possible to get more playing time and more opportunities with England. But I have to say, I’m very happy with the opportunities I’ve been given by Gareth Southgate down the years. Of course, I want to push on, to improve and try and get more minutes. It’s no different now it’s another manager but it’s still the same focus and challenge.

What is Lee Carsley like to work with?

He’s very good, very honest. Very demanding as well. But also very laid back in a sense as he makes the players feel at ease speaking to him, which I think is a great way to be. He’s a top manager.

Do you think you’re becoming more of a senior international, and a senior member of the England squad now?

I think timewise, I’ve been there for around three years with England, and there’s a lot of new faces. But I’ve still got work to do to become more of a senior player. I’m really happy to still be playing for England and I hope I can still get to develop and improve.