Alvaro Morata says Massimiliano Allegri played a key role in his decision to snub Barcelona in January but insists he’d always stay in Turin if it were up to him.
The Spaniard spoke at a press conference on the eve of the Bianconeri’s Champions League clash against Villareal.
Morata could have left Juventus in the January transfer window before the signing of Dusan Vlahovic. He had held talks with the Catalans’ coach Xavi, but Massimiliano Allegri persuaded him to stay in Turin.
“Allegri was crucial. I’ve always felt his support,” Morata said as quoted by Ilbianconero.com
“He knows my qualities and my shortcomings, he told me that he trusted me, now I must fight and repay his trust.
“I spoke with the coach during the transfer window, we spoke about his ideas and how he saw the team. Dusan’s arrival has helped me, I’d always stay here if it was up to me.”
Morata is on loan at Juventus from Atletico Madrid until the end of the season when the Bianconeri can activate a €35m clause to make his move permanent. However, the Serie A giants may only sign him if Atletico lower their economic demands.
Allegri: ‘Too much pressure on Vlahovic, I must protect him’
But how have Juventus changed over the last month?
“There is a new dynamic and we have more confidence,” said Morata.
“We react in a different way when we face difficulties, which means we are improving. Now there is a Champions League game and we know we must give our all.
“Vlahovic and Zakaria have brought enthusiasm, Dusan is very young but has a wonderful career ahead. He has settled in, he is a nice guy off the pitch. Hopefully, he can score his first Champions League goal tomorrow.”
Vlahovic’s arrival has pushed Morata a bit wider on the pitch, in a similar role than the one of Mario Mandzukic during Juventus’ 2016-17 campaign, when the Bianconeri reached the Champions League Final.
“I feel well, the most important thing is to help Juventus win,” said Morata, when asked how he feels in the new role.
“We came close to winning the Supercoppa against Inter, played good games against Chelsea and now we face the Europa League champions. We know that it will be a difficult game, but it will be tough for them too.
“Villareal play well with the ball and are solid when they defend. We have clear ideas.
“We have still many targets this season. Perhaps winning leagues and trophies were taken a bit for granted over the last few years,” Morata added.
“We have the Champions League and the Coppa Italia. Who knows, we could win an important trophy. If the others want to qualify, they have to beat us.”
Morata LIVE: 'Sappiamo di dover dare tutto' https://t.co/cES98mn8tl pic.twitter.com/vguchOwtQs
— ilbianconero (@ilbianconerocom) February 21, 2022
there is no way they pay 35m for him, no way and if they ever do they need to management
I’m pretty certain they’ll try to negotiate that down. Atleti don’t want him back.