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

After 18 years at Chelsea, academy graduate Gallagher was sold to the Spanish side in a £36 million ($47m) deal. The Blues' treatment of the midfielder sparked anger among the club's fans as he was banished from the first-team despite his long service in London.

James and Gallagher joined Chelsea around the same time as eight-year-olds, having previously been at grassroots club Epsom Eagles together. They then came through the academy to reach the first team, but there long journey side by side has come to an end with Gallagher off to continue his career in La Liga.

Sharing on an Instagram story an image of the pair as children in Chelsea's academy, James posted an emotional message to his former team-mate. He wrote: "From Epsom Eagles days to nights at Stamford Bridge, you have come a long way, my friend. It was a real honour to share the last 18 years together and play at the highest level. We were both the last ones in our group to get professional contracts, but we made it out together and come on to achieve the dream we wanted as little boys. Good luck on your new chapter, brother."

instagram/reece

While Gallagher settles in at his new club, his fellow England international James is recovering from a fresh hamstring injury that he suffered during pre-season. The full-back is back in training, at least, and will hope to soon put his injury nightmare behind him, having seen the last two seasons plagued by fitness troubles.