Morata: I want to triumph with Chelsea before I return to Madrid
The Chelsea centre-forward spoke to El Larguero last night: "I'd go back to Madrid but only after winning everything with Chelsea and consolidating my career there".
Álvaro Morata admits that, as a madridista, he would always be open to returning to Real Madrid at some point in the future. But first, he wants to make his mark in the Premier League and "win everything with Chelsea".
You never actually said that Real Madrid treated you like a child?
That's all been cleared up now. I've never said a bad word about Real Madrid and I never will. I don't talk about Madrid anymore; I wish them all the best but now I am a Chelsea player. But having said that, I'll always be a Real Madrid fan.
Morata lighting up the Premier League
You've had an impressive start to the season...
We've started well but not everything has gone as we would have liked. We've slipped up in a couple of games and we can't afford to do that - you get punished for the smallest mistake in England. Only a while ago we were quite far behind United and City... but we beat United just before the international break and we are only one point off second place. We're hoping City drop points at some point but they're playing really well.
You're already on seven goals, five of them have come from an Azpilicueta pass...
He's amazing. We understand each other well and at Chelsea, the service we get off the full-backs works well. I'm very grateful to César. In the Premier League you need to go looking for the very few spaces they leave you.
Adapting to LaLiga, Serie A, the Premier League...
What's the secret to be able to adapt to two very different leagues?
For Spanish players, I think it's quite easy. We'll play wherever we have to. Chelsea have gone out of their way to make it as easy as possible for me and also, I have a lot of Spanish team mates there. When I first arrived, I missed a penalty in an important match, the Community Shield against Arsenal and I really felt the pressure at that moment. My wife helped me to get over that. She's everything to me - as I am always telling everyone. Before, whenever we lost a game and I played badly, I'd lock myself in my room and wouldn't talk to anyone. That's changed now.
How do you like life in London?
It's great and we're really happy. We live in the centre, just five minutes from the stadium. Sometimes I walk home after a game. The only thing is that I usually get held up in traffic on the way to the training ground - more than I did in Madrid. I make the most of that time to call my family. The biggest difference is the sun, the weather, although it's nowhere near as bad as people make out.
Conte and Zidane are winners - Morata
How different are Zidane and Conte as coaches?
Not a great deal to be honest. People are different. Both are coaches who have a winners' mentality. Conte is much more tactical and he will control the way we play more than Zidane did. He's a very passionate person who's got a lot of experience behind him. Zizou's a winner too in his own way.
Do you watch Real Madrid's games?
When I can, yes. I'll also discuss the game with some of the lads afterwards. They're my friends and I miss them; I try to see them when I can and we are in contact now and again.
Did you understand Gary Lineker's tweets about Benzema?
I think we need to put ourselves in his shoes. When Lineker was a player, there was no internet or social media, he likes to be in the eye of the hurricane but I don't think it's such a big deal. His past with Barça might have something to do with it.
Do you think Benzema needs more competition for a place in the team?
Last season there was Mariano and myself. This season there's Borja Mayoral, who's a great player. Karim is one of the best centre-forwards in the world. He has quality to spare and more than enough to be first choice at Real Madrid.
Morata, happy in London
Can you see yourself going back to Madrid a second time?
Of course I'd go back - only after I have won everything with Chelsea and made my mark there. It's very difficult to say no to Madrid when you're a madridista. But to be honest, I don't think it's going to happen although you never know. It's not something I am thinking about because I'm happy in London.
Would you like Chelsea to meet Real Madrid in the Champions League final?
Of course - and for us to win. I hope we manage to avoid each other but sure, I'd be up for meeting them in the final, without a doubt.
You've made Chelsea fans forget about Diego Costa...
People remember him there. I speak to him quite a lot. There was a chance that we might have played together but in the end that didn't happen.
Do you like the new Spain shirt?
Of course. I've said so several times. I'd rather people were talking about the shirt than the players. It's Spain's shirt and that's all that matters. Let's hope that everyone will be going out to buy it next summer.
Do you think Real Madrid miss you?
I'd rather they missed me as a person than as a player. I think they've got a good team; Real Madrid as a club is always more important than any player.
