Zinedine Zidane Bemoans Loss of Morata & Addresses Ongoing Mbappe Rumours
Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has expressed his disappointment at losing striker Àlvaro Morata to Premier League champions Chelsea. The Spanish international recently joined the Blues for a club record fee of £58m.
Zidane's side enjoyed a glorious 2016/17 campaign, in which they won both the La Liga title and the Champions League trophy in emphatic style. Speaking following his side's Saturday pre-season training session, via Marca, the two-time Champions League-winning manager addressed the departure of the 24-year-old striker, as well as the future of Cristiano Ronaldo, and the possible purchase of Monaco wonderkid Kylian Mbappé:
"At the moment, we are missing a striker. Morata gave us a lot last year".
Despite playing a bit-part role for Los Blancos last season, perpetually in the immense shadow of Cristiano Ronaldo, Morata still managed to score 15 league goals for his club. Morata has also impressed during his showings for the Spanish national team, scoring nine goals in 20 appearances thus far. Real will certainly wish to secure a solid replacement for the goal-scorer.
Addressing the possible signing of Monaco's highly sought after striker Kylian Mbappé, Zidane kept his cards close to his chest, stating:
"We always try to improve, the player is good and interests many clubs, but now I'm thinking about tomorrow's game."
The comings and goings at the Bernabéu Stadium show no sign of stopping, as the likes of Danilo and James Rodríguez have already left the club this summer. The future of footballing icon Cristiano Ronaldo is also believed to be uncertain, given that the player is rumoured to be keen to leave Spain amid tax controversies. Addressing the issue of Ronaldo, Zidane claimed:
"As you say there has been a lot of talk about Cristiano. When I talk to him he is calm and enjoying his holiday. I look and listen as everyone does, but what matters to me is what he wants to do with Madrid and I think it's going to stay."
