Morata: ‘Milan comeback sent a message, this team was dead’

Alvaro Morata feels the comeback from 2-0 down to hold Torino 2-2 still ‘sends a message’ because Milan were ‘practically dead and would’ve won with another five minutes.’

The Rossoneri were heading towards an embarrassing home defeat in the opening round of the 2024-25 season, trailing 2-0 until the 88^th minute to a bizarre Malick Thiaw own goal as he tried to clear and the Duvan Zapata free header.

The substitutions made the difference, because Morata scored by redirecting a shot from Tijjani Reijnders, then Noah Okafor volleyed in a Yunus Musah cross at the 95^th minute.

A goal on his debut should be a dream, but not for the EURO 2024 winner.

“It is not a great debut, because we didn’t win and wanted to send a message,” Morata told Sky Sport Italia.

“I think we still sent a message, because the team was practically dead and we still turned it around. If there had been another five minutes to play, we would’ve won it.

“However, we’ve got to get back to work at Milanello and change our mentality, because we need to win here.”

Morata feels Milan would’ve won with more time

Toro were not expected to cause so many problems for Paulo Fonseca’s men, as Mike Maignan also had to make a couple of big saves.

“Torino have very good players, every game in Serie A, the Champions League and Coppa Italia will be tough, we’ve got to get going.”

Morata reiterated the pledge he made to the Milan fans when he first arrived from Atletico Madrid this summer.

“San Siro is wonderful. I realised today what it means to play here for Milan. I cannot promise goals or titles, but I can promise I’ll work harder than anyone else.”

“That is not good enough for a team that wants to push on for the Scudetto.” 👀@nate_bukaty and @IFTVMarco react to a wild finish in Milan as the Rossoneri battle back to earn a point 🤝 pic.twitter.com/FoK0G2iO6L

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) August 17, 2024