Palestra bids farewell to Atalanta after Chelsea move, says he followed his dreams | OneFootball

Chelsea have completed the signing of Marco Palestra, and the 21-year-old has issued an emotional farewell to Atalanta, the club he joined aged 10.

The move was confirmed today, with paperwork finalised and the announcement made, and is believed to be worth €60m including add-ons. He has signed a six-year contract with an option for a further season.

In an Instagram post, the player said Atalanta had been more than a club, a place where he grew as a footballer and as a person. He added that in Bergamo he had been able to follow his dreams and he thanked the Percassi family, directors, coaches, staff, team-mates and fans for an 11-year journey.

Palestra broke into the senior set-up as a right-back and wing-back. He made 16 first-team appearances, alongside extensive youth outings including 41 for the Under-23s.

He was part of the squad that lifted the 2023-24 Europa League.

Last season he spent time on loan at Cagliari, where he was named Serie A Defender of the Season. He now begins the next chapter at Chelsea.

Source: Football Italia