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Phil HaighPublished Aug 22, 2024, 8:13am|Updated Aug 22, 2024, 8:14am
Conor Gallagher enjoyed an incredible unveiling ceremony as a new Atletico Madrid player on Wednesday, while the club also seemed to give him a couple of new nicknames.
Gallagher’s move from Chelsea to Atleti was finally completed this week after a lengthy process that has lasted much of the summer.
It has been a big summer for Diego Simeone’s side and Gallagher was not alone at the unveiling ceremony for new signings.
The England international was joined by Julian Alvarez, arriving from Manchester City, Robin Le Normand, signed from Real Sociedad and Alexander Sorloth, who has come in from Villarreal.
The likes of Joao Felix, Alvaro Morata, Memphis Depay and Saul Niguez have departed to make way for the new arrivals.
The La Liga giants did not hold back in welcoming their new signings, with Gallagher joined by motorbikes and fireworks as he made his way onto the pitch at the Cívitas Metropolitano.
Wearing his new number 4 shirt, Gallagher then showed off some Spanish, saying in his newly-learned language: ‘Hello, I don’t speak much Spanish. I am very happy. Aupa Atleti! (Up Atletico).’
Atletico are clearly delighted to have the 24-year-old in their ranks and they are also keen to give him some affectionate nicknames as well.
Their English language X account was producing some remarkable content on Wednesday, including this bizarre cartoon dog, with the caption: ‘Beware of the Pitbull.’
It wouldn’t have been obvious it was referring to Gallagher other than the St George’s Cross on the dog’s leather jacket, so we can assume ‘The Pitbull’ is a new moniker for him.
The account also posted a picture of Gallagher with the caption ‘Our Guiri’ which takes a bit of explaining.
‘Guiri’ is a Spanish term for a tourist, usually from northern Europe who doesn’t necessarily understand or get involved with local culture.
If a bar, restaurant or attraction is described as ‘guiri’ it might well be one to avoid as it is a bit of a tourist trap.
The Spanish club clearly love their new signing, though, so it will be an affectionate name for the midfielder.
Gallagher posted on his Instagram page on Wednesday night: ‘Thank you for making me feel at home!’
The new arrival could make his debut at home against Girona on Sunday night in La Liga.
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