Juventus and Spain striker Alvaro Morata gives his response to criticism and urges anyone struggling with mental health to seek help. ‘It has no name, no form, but it is there.’
The forward was lambasted in the media and by fans after missing several sitters in the 0-0 draw with Sweden.
Coach Luis Enrique stood by him, assuring that tomorrow against Poland he’ll start “Morata and 10 others.”
Morata also spoke for himself during this evening’s press conference and showed how much he has matured.
“I wasn’t going to just be silent all week. I am here and I will give my all tomorrow,” said the Juventus man.
“In the end, the game moves so fast that you don’t have time to think. I don’t consider it a serious mistake against Sweden.
“Anyone who plays football knows the goalkeeper comes out very quickly and you have to adjust. I always give 200 per cent when I wear the Spain jersey.”
Morata confirms he has been spending a lot of time with the sports psychologist, Joaquin, who works with the Spain squad.
“I talk about everything. I know he is there at my disposal and for all my teammates. I’m fine, I’ve had too long a career to worry what people think about me. I can’t be loved by everyone. When there is criticism, you just have to respect it and work, work, work.
“I am more concerned by what my teammates think. I am phenomenal.”
He also discussed the importance of mental health in sport and in all walks of life, something that has come to the fore after Naomi Osaka pulled out of two tennis tournaments due to anxiety.
“In sport, people don’t recognise the importance or the gravity of anxiety and depression. It doesn’t get the recognition it deserves, not just in football, but in all walks of life.
“It is something that has no name, it has no form, but it is there. I recommend that people go to a specialist if they have a problem.”
@AlvaroMorata: “Hay muchas enfermedades como la ansiedad o la depresión que no están consideradas como merecen”.
“Es algo que no tiene nombre, no tiene forma, pero está ahí. Recomiendo a la gente que vaya a un especialista si tiene un problema”.#SomosEspaña #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/kQVLVmk5SS
— Selección Española de Fútbol (@SeFutbol) June 18, 2021