Morata Names the 2 Players He Spoke to Ahead of Chelsea Move & Why He's Leaving Real Madrid
Alvaro Morata has revealed that his decision to leave Real Madrid was down to wanting to work with Antonio Conte - the manager who had shown the "most faith" in him - in order to grow as a player.
The Real Madrid misfit is closing in on a reported €80m transfer to Stamford Bridge, and is rumoured to be in line to net around €9m-a-season when he puts pen to paper on a five-year deal.
Morata was quoted in Spanish newspaper AS about why he was opting to leave the Champions League holders for the Premier League champions, and he explained that the chance to be reunited with former boss Conte - the pair having worked together at Juventus - in London was an offer he couldn't refuse.
He said: “I’m going to the team managed by the coach who has placed the most faith in me, and that’s great for me.
He also said, "I want to grow up, if I didn’t I wouldn’t have left. I’d like to thank Zidane and wish him luck for the upcoming season."
Morata was given permission to leave Real's pre-season training camp in Los Angeles on Wednesday as he boarded a flight to England's capital to try and wrap up a move to Chelsea as quickly as possible.
The striker will become the latest Spain international to head to Chelsea when his deal is officially ratified, and Morata revealed that two Blues stars - one past and one present - had given him a good indication of what to expect at his new club.
MURCIA, SPAIN - JUNE 07: Alvaro Morata of Spain competes for the ball with Cristian Zapata of Colombia during a friendly match between Spain and Colombia at La Nueva Condomina stadium on June 7, 2017 in Murcia, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
David Ramos/GettyImages
He continued: “Yes, I have spoken with (Cesar) Azpilicueta. And also with Fernando Torres, who has told me he’ll give me a hand with whatever I need.”
Morata only rejoined Los Blancos from Juventus last summer in a £25m deal, but he became frustrated with life at the Bernabeu over a lack of regular game time.
Despite his second spell at the La Liga giants falling short of expectations, Morata added that he harboured no grudges against manager Zinedine Zidane or the club that allowed him to realise his dream of becoming a footballer.
The 24-year-old added: “It has been a pleasure to play for Madrid, and I will always be with them apart from when they play Chelsea.
“I have thanked him (Zidane) for everything, and wished him luck for this year.
“I have no regrets. I’ve won four titles, among them my second Champions League with Madrid. I leave happy because the last time I pulled on the Madrid shirt was in Cibeles.”
