Atletico Madrid striker Alvaro Morata ruled out a move to Roma this summer but wished the best for coach Jose Mourinho.
The 30-year-old Spanish forward has been one of the Giallorossi’s top targets to bolster their frontline this summer. The club need a new striker following the recent cruciate ligament injury suffered by Tammy Abraham, an injury that leaves just Andrea Belotti in the department.
Financial limitations mean Roma cannot afford to spend heavily this summer and their efforts to sign Morata on loan did not convince Atletico. Mourinho’s side have also been linked with a move for West Ham’s Gianluca Scamacca.
Speaking to Mexican outlet Tudn via Calciomercato.com, Morata first discussed Atletico’s pre-season trip to Mexico and Roma’s interest in him.
“I’m working and I’m very happy to be in Mexico with the team. I want to improve, I’m doing it in this pre-season. But we players don’t control the transfer market.
“I’m here to enjoy Mexico, to work with the team. At the moment they’re (Roma, ed.) not an option, they’re not in my head.”
He also thanked Mourinho and sent the Portuguese coach his best.
“He’s a great coach, he was the one who gave me the opportunity to play my first professional match. I’m very grateful to him and I wish him the best.”
Roma have been negotiating a deal with Santos for striker Marcos Leonardo but talks have stalled, leaving the club in a tough spot with less than three weeks left until the start of the Serie A season.