Chelsea captain Reece James sends emotional message to Conor Gallagher as fellow Cobham graduate completes £36m Atletico Madrid transfer

Chelsea captain Reece James delivered an emotional farewell letter to Conor Gallagher after the midfielder completed a deal to Atletico Madrid.

Gallagher sold to Atletico Madrid
I went through the academy alongside James. The captain conveyed a heartfelt message.

Gallagher, who had spent 18 years with Chelsea, was transferred to the Spanish team in a move worth £36 million ($47m). The fans of the Blues were infuriated by the way the club handled the midfielder, as he was excluded from the first-team despite his extensive tenure in London.
James and Gallagher both joined Chelsea as eight-year-olds, after previously playing together at the grassroots team Epsom Eagles. Subsequently, they progressed through the academy to join the first squad, but their extensive journey together is concluded as Gallagher departs to pursue his career in La Liga.
James shared a snapshot on his Instagram account of the pair as toddlers in Chelsea’s academy, along by a heartfelt message addressed to his old team-mate. He expressed: “From the early days of Epsom Eagles to the evenings spent at Stamford Bridge, you have made significant progress, my companion.” It was very prestigious to have spent the past 18 years together and compete at the utmost level. Both of us were the final members in our group to secure professional contracts. However, we persevered together and ultimately realised the childhood ideal we aspired to. Wishing you the best of luck as you embark on a new phase of your life, my sibling.

As Gallagher adjusts to his new club, his fellow England teammate James is recuperating from a recent hamstring injury sustained during pre-season. The full-back has resumed exercising and is eager to overcome his injury woes, which have plagued him for the past two seasons.