Alvaro Morata was unveiled by Milan in a press conference today, discussing his transfer from Atletico Madrid, his return to Italy and his goals with the Rossoneri.
The 31-year-old Spanish striker joined the Milanese club last month in a definitive transfer valued at around €13m, putting pen to paper on a four-year contract with an option for a fifth worth circa €4.5m net per season plus add-ons.
Morata is expected to play a leading role in Paulo Fonseca’s new Milan attack, playing a central role in a front three alongside Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic. The club are also looking around for another striker to alternate with the Spaniard, like Roma’s Tammy Abraham.
Morata presentation
Speaking in a press conference via TMW, Morata first discussed his transfer from Atletico Madrid to Milan and how it came about.
“I thank everyone for bringing me here, I had several chances to come back to Italy in recent years, but as soon as Zlatan called me, I then spoke to the directors and the coach, I didn’t think about anything else. They’re the team that wanted me the most, they put in the effort.
“At the European Championships it already felt like I was a Milan player. I need feelings and trust, I have no problem hearing things. If one day Ibra calls and tells me I’m doing sh*t, I hope not, I’ll have no problem.
“I’ve been shown trust, many times I’ve heard that Milan are Milan, since I arrived here everything has been incredible. It’s difficult to find a club with this organisation, I can’t wait to get on the pitch.
“I can’t promise titles, but I promise I’ll run like a dog to press as well. I want to be a leader to push others to the maximum as well.”
He spoke about his reference points from Milan’s past.
“One of my biggest references is him (Ibrahimovic, ed.), I’ve always asked him for shirts and shoes. I don’t know why he’s never told me off…. He’s a pride, it’s a dream to be next to him.
“Then I heard from Kaka, Shevchenko, Pato, Beckham…. He told me there’s something different about Milan. That’s why I’m here. A big part of football history has been written here.”
Morata commented on his personal goals with the Rossoneri.
“Winning, scoring 50 or 60 goals doesn’t interest me. In the end you have to win and enjoy the journey, understand that we are a team and that there are many great players. When I entered Milanello I felt the air that you breathe, I can only do better than in the past.
“If I’m here it’s because I want to bring the second Scudetto star, to help this club make even more history. These are the last years of my career, but also the best because I have reached maturity.”
He underlined his confidence that he’s the best he’s ever been.
“Without a doubt. I am very happy, very happy, the Milan fans will see that getting Morata was a good purchase.”
Morata gave his thoughts on Serie A as a whole and the derby with Inter.
“A league that has grown, that every year is more beautiful to watch. 10 years ago, the Italian league was different, more tactical, now there are teams allied well. Last year beating Inter was a great satisfaction.”
He spoke about his former club Juventus.
“I’m grateful and I thank them for what they did for me. Friends are friends but to go to dinner with, say goodbye after matches, sometimes not because you’re p*ssed off because you lost. Now I’m a Milan player. Now it’s another adventure.”
Morata discussed the similarities between this Milan side and the Spain national team.
“There are very similar players. There are some who can become among the best in the world, if they are not already. The coach is very similar to the idea of the game.
“The important thing for me is to fit in well with the group and my teammates will understand who I am. I don’t want goals and to be the hero, I want to win.”
He spoke about his relationship with Theo Hernandez.
“I’ve always had a great relationship with Theo, a funny person, open. I’ve been on holiday with him, two or three days. I hope he has put petrol in the scooter because he is fundamental for this team.
“He too can make the final leap in quality. He has the characteristics and potential to be the best full-back in the world and I’ll try to remind him of that every morning.”
Morata gave his thoughts on Fonesca and was asked if he’s been in contact with Massimiliano Allegri.
“I spoke with the coach several times, even at length. I didn’t need a lot of extra information to make the decision.
“His idea is very similar to the one I like and in which I know I can give my best. I haven’t spoken with Max, when I see him it will be fun because he has always helped me so much.”
He looked ahead to his first game against Juventus.
“That’s part of football: if you go to a theatre and it’s not nice what you see…. Boos are fine when you deserve them, insults from opposing teams are normal. Never has it happened to me to go somewhere in Italy and have a lack of respect when I was with my family.”
Morata was asked how much Milan could get him excited about football.
“If I’m here, I’m honest, that’s why. An emotion that Milan call you, that Ibrahimovic calls you. I could go and get money or relax. I’m in the perfect place, at the perfect age, to do five or six years to do well and to win.”
He commented on the pressures of replacing Olivier Giroud and wearing the number 7 shirt.
“I don’t have to think about the pressure. From the moment you set foot in Milanello…. Olivier was a teammate at Chelsea, and I had the chance to learn from him and share things with him.
“When it was almost done, Ibra sent me a video and I had goosebumps with all the goals of the best players, many of whom played for Milan.”
Finally, Morata spoke about how his experience can help Milan.
“I have to have a desire to win and know how to do it. At the last European Championship, we were told we were very young and that it was impossible, in the end you have to believe and work hard.
“With all this you can get anywhere. That’s why I can’t wait to join the group and remind everyone how much they are worth, every morning. I like to see others working, dreaming, happy.”