Real Madrid's Álvaro Morata talks to AS about Chelsea transfer
The Chelsea-bound striker spoke to AS in Los Angeles before boarding a flight to London. He admitted that it is 'difficult' to envisage a return to Real MadridChelsea - Barcelona U - 19 live: UEFA Youth League final
Álvaro Morata is on the way to London to finalise his move from Real Madrid to Chelsea.
Morata misses Madrid training under orders from Zidane
The Spanish international striker did not train with Real Madrid in Los Angeles on Wednesday, under orders from Zinedine Zidane. The training session began minutes before Chelsea and Real Madrid announced that they had agreed terms for the transfer of the 24-year-old. Neither club would have wanted Morata to pick up a training-ground injury that could jeopardise the move.
AS understands that Chelsea will pay €80m for his services, with a further €5m in add-ons. Morata will sign a five-year contract worth €9m (net) per year.
'I'm not considering Madrid return'
Before boarding a flight from Los Angeles to London on Wednesday, Álvaro Morata shared his thoughts with AS.
Morata’s summer: “It has been a slightly strange summer for me. A lot of things have happened. In the end, if God wishes, tomorrow I will be at a club that have wanted me for years, with a gaffer whom I have spoken to constantly. So I’m really happy. I have been training hard for whatever outcome, but I was clear that this was my objective. It’s sad to leave Real Madrid, but I hope that everything will go well for me at Chelsea.”
Message to Madridistas: “It has been a pleasure to play for Madrid, and I will always be with them apart from when they play Chelsea.”
Goodbye to Zidane: “I have thanked him for everything, and wished him luck for this year.”
Real Madrid return: “A third time… is difficult. Right now I’m not considering it.”
Regrets about second spell at Madrid: “No, not at all. I’ve won four titles, among them my second Champions League with Madrid. I leave happy because the last time I pulled on the Madrid shirt was in Cibeles.”
Goodbye to team-mates: “They are friends, I’ll keep talking to them. The team and the city might change, but I know that they will always be there.”
Maintaining a clear head: “Until I see myself there, passing the medical and being presented, I still won’t be completely content. We have seen everything that has happened this summer, so I would prefer to wait until everything goes well.”
Would it have been better not to go to Los Angeles? “It is what it is, but it has ended well. The only thing now is to arrive [in London], and start training with my new team.”
Antonio Conte: “I’m going to the team managed by the coach who has placed the most faith in me, and that’s great for me.”
What will happen if Chelsea and Madrid meet in the Champions League? "I hope [they meet], that would mean that both us and them are progressing in the Champions League. But I don’t want to think about it. Now all I am thinking about is getting to London.”
Have you spoken to the Spanish contingent at Chelsea? “Yes, I have spoken with Azpilicueta. And also with Fernando Torres, who has told me he’ll give me a hand with whatever I need.”
