Álvaro Morata describes his summer so far as “slightly strange” and considering how he’s been on the other end of the transfer rumor craziness that we’ve been experiencing from our end, that may be an understatement. After all, he looked set for a move to Manchester United not that long ago — after being heavily linked with Chelsea even since Conte took over — and now he’s joining Chelsea instead.
“It has been a slightly strange summer for me. A lot of things have happened. In the end, if God wishes, tomorrow I will be at a club that have wanted me for years, with a gaffer whom I have spoken to constantly. So I’m really happy. I have been training hard for whatever outcome, but I was clear that this was my objective. It’s sad to leave Real Madrid, but I hope that everything will go well for me at Chelsea.”
“Until I see myself there, passing the medical and being presented, I still won’t be completely content. We have seen everything that has happened this summer, so I would prefer to wait until everything goes well.”
As seen in the video at the top, AS actually managed to get a reporter in to LAX to catch up with Morata as he flew out to London towards his new adventure. In his own words, he claims he may not ever go back to Real Madrid again, though obviously he will remain a fan of the team (and players such as Raúl and Fernando Morientes) he’s idolized since he was a little boy.
“It has been a pleasure to play for Madrid, and I will always be with them apart from when they play Chelsea. [But] a third time [around with Real would be] difficult. Right now I’m not considering it.”
Morata leaves behind good friends once again, but he’s linking up with other friends, such as César Azpilicueta, and of course with Antonio Conte, who’s signed him once before already but didn’t actually get to work together with him. With Conte having also just signed a new contract — what a 24 hours it’s been at Chelsea Football Club! — there’s hopefully no danger of that history repeating itself.
“I’m going to the team managed by the coach who has placed the most faith in me, and that’s great for me.”
“I have [already] spoken with Azpilicueta. And also with Fernando Torres, who has told me he’ll give me a hand with whatever I need.”
-Álvaro Morata; source: AS
Conditions are perfect for Morata to be a great success at Chelsea.
“I have trained over the last few days in preparations to pass the [medical]. I hope I do very well at Chelsea. I will go there to grow [as a player], otherwise I would not move. [Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane] thanked me for everything and wished me luck for the upcoming season."
-Álvaro Morata; source: Marca