During the latter stages of Euro 2024, reports emerged of Alvaro Morata’s decision to leave Atletico Madrid in favour of a return to Italy, where he’d be playing for AC Milan. All doubts on the matter have now been dispelled by the man himself, who has confirmed that he is indeed moving on after four years in the Spanish capital.
Speaking to El Partidazo de COPE, Morata confirmed that he has said his goodbye to his Atleti teammates and the first team coaching staff. He admitted that he would no longer be able to play at 100% whilst still at the club.
“I’m going to undergo a medical and then yes, I will join AC Milan. It’s better to part ways when you can’t give 100% anymore. I have said goodbye to my teammates, Diego Simeone, and the board. It was important for me to greet my teammates and thank them for everything.
“For me, lifting the European Championship is winning a title with the Atletico Madrid shirt. As an Atletico Madrid player, lifting a European Championship has the same value as doing it because it is the club I belong to – on my shin guards, I wore the Atletico crest.”
🚨 ¡Álvaro Morata habla en exclusiva con @JaviGomezCh tras despedirse de sus compañeros!
🫂 "Era importante para mí saludarles y agradecerles todo"
🥹 "No quiero ser falso, levantar la Eurocopa es ganar un título con la camiseta del Atlético de Madrid"
📻 #PartidazoCOPE pic.twitter.com/KpImSOSc2T
— El Partidazo de COPE (@partidazocope) July 16, 2024
🚨🗣️ BREAKING – Álvaro Morata confirms his departure from Atlético Madrid: “It was important for me to greet my teammates and thank them for everything.”@JaviGomezCh pic.twitter.com/g0XD22Kkyj
— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) July 16, 2024
Morata’s departure will net Atletico Madrid a fee of €15m, and it will also get his wages off the books. Club officials are already working on his replacement.
