Conor Gallagher has shared an emotional farewell message to Crystal Palace fans on Instagram following his return to parent club Chelsea.
Conor Gallagher said: “I’m so proud to have been part of this team in which was a very successful season in the league and getting to Wembley for the FA cup semi-final was amazing. From my first contact with Patrick, he’s been brilliant with me and helped me develop into a better player, for which I can’t thank him enough. The players and staff have made me feel like I’ve been here for years and the fans have made me feel so at home. Your support helped us in tough games this season and it can make all the difference! I’ve given everything this season for the club and was delighted to be the supporters player of the year, thank you all so much for your support. It’s been so special to play for this great club. Hopefully, I showed that in my performances on the pitch and how proud I was to wear the shirt. Thank you.”
Vieira has regularly been asked throughout the season over the possibility of bringing Gallagher back to south London for another year in red and blue, though the Frenchman has always been clear that the decision lies with the player and his parent club rather than Palace. He has repeatedly said that the Cobham academy graduate needs game time in order to fulfil his potential however, which is something he will be assured of with the Eagles.
Patrick Vieira said: “A lot has been said already. He’s been playing, I believe, his best football at this club, which allowed him to go with England. It will be important for him to ask a question about what will be the next step for him and the next step may be at Chelsea because he has to go back and see how things will go for him. Of course we are, and I am, really pleased with the year we spent together. He’s been really good to us and we will have to wish him good luck if he goes back to Chelsea. If there’s a possibility to bring him back, we will definitely talk about it.”
