‘Always willing to fight’ - Mikel Obi hails former Chelsea star after UCL performance for Atletico Madrid

Conor Gallagher made his transfer switch from Chelsea to Atletico Madrid this summer after being told by the club he is not needed.

The Blues let the midfielder leave despite being one of their best players and was signed for €40 million by the Spanish side.

Gallagher has started a new journey with Atletico Madrid and has been impressive since joining the club.

Mikel Obi was full of praise for Gallagher after watching the midfielder's performance in Atletico Madrid’s win against Leipzig.

Speaking on beIN Sports, Mikel said, “Obviously, because of the financial situation that we put ourselves probably the reason why the club had to sell him.

“He's one player that really impressed me last season. I thought he performed really well, even despite the whole team.

“But he was one player that really was always willing to fight for the bad for the club. He was giving his all and for me and the rest of the fans. To see him leave was very, very disappointing. But I'm happy for him, you know he's gone.

“The discipline that Simeone is asking to individual players and the collective will help him to go to another level because he's a good player and he is a kind of a Simon kind of player as well.

“Box to box, full of energy. He can run all day. He can tackle, he can do everything. So I'm happy to see him enjoy his football again and no very, very pleased for him.

Atletico Madrid will travel to face Rayo Vallecano on Sunday in Laliga and will look to build on their Champions League win against Leipzig.