Former Chelsea star Conor Gallagher reveals where his 'pitbull' nickname originated from
Yesterday at 12:28 PM
Conor Gallagher is embracing his new surroundings in LaLiga as much as his new nickname of 'pitbull'.
The England international has made a bright start to life in the Spanish capital after sealing a £34million switch to Atletico Madrid last month.
The 24-year-old has already become a key figure under boss Diego Simeone and repaid the Argentine's faith in him with his first goal for the club in Sunday's 3-0 victory over Valencia.
Gallagher appears to be a big hit with his new teammates who now refer to him as 'pitbull.'
The midfidler's new reference came during his welcome ceremony in front of a packed Cívitas Metropolitano crowd when he was introduced as a 'pitbull' who would bring 'new lungs' to the team.
"I think that (the pitbull nickname) was something Atletico made up," Gallagher told The Athletic. "Some people in England call me a dog, because of how I play on the pitch. Sometimes I just run after every ball, like a dog does in the park. It kind of stuck. (Atletico) took it from there. I don't mind. I take it as a compliment."
And the club’s fans have also warmed to the ex-Chelsea star, already serenading him with a new chant that has caught on with teammate Antoine Griezmann.
The France star was filmed by the club's social media team singing the words to the chant upon entering the training pitch on Wednesday ahead of Thursday's Champions League opener against RB Leipzig.
The lyrics go: "Lolololololololo Conor Gallagher," on repeat and as simple as it may be, Gallagher knows the endearment is testament to his endeavour on the pitch.
"Atletico is perfect to showcase my abilities," Gallagher said. "The fans and the manager and my team-mates appreciate hard work and passion on the football pitch — I can bring a lot of that."
"I'm really happy to be here and I'm settling in well. I've loved my first few weeks. I knew Atletico was always a massive club, a top club in La Liga and doing well in the Champions League. So I was excited to join.
"It was really good to win against Valencia and score my first goal. Hopefully, we can build on this and I can gain more confidence."
Gallagher lifted the lid on his relationship with Simeone and the communication challenges as he gets to grip with the Spanish language.
The legendary Atleti coach pinpointed Gallagher as his number one midfield target this summer due to his box-to-box style.
"We need a translator to help the communication, but soon I'll be able to understand his Spanish," says Gallagher, who has started language lessons.
"He understands my game well, what I'm best at, and what I'm not so good at. The last few games he has told me my strengths, and what I should be doing on the pitch, which has really helped me feel confident and comfortable in my role in my team."
"(Simeone) asks me to get in the box when I can," Gallagher added. "And that's what I try to do. I was lucky enough to get the good pass from Rodrigo [De Paul] and get my first goal. Hopefully, I can continue to do that, and get some more goals."
