Morata Sees Himself Leaving Atlético Madrid
Álvaro Morata expressed that his situation at Atlético Madrid won't distract him from participating in the Euro, but he hinted at his frustration of constantly having to prove himself more than others. He suggested that the "easiest" option for him might be "not playing in Spain," feeling that he's not a priority for the club and is awaiting a conversation with Diego Simeone.
"I can't control what will happen. Maybe I'm not a priority for the coach and the club, and they're looking for other options. I'll have to talk to them. I see what’s being reported in the press, but I haven’t spoken with the club. At my age, I might need to play more matches and explore other opportunities," he said on Cadena SER radio.
Morata wants to feel valued and reminded that last season he stayed, turning down more lucrative offers than what he earned at Atlético Madrid.
"If they count on me, I'm happy at Atlético Madrid and I want to win a title, but I don't know their priority. What comes out in the press is what they’re discussing, clear as day. If I see Atlético wants to sign eight strikers, I imagine I’m not the club’s priority. I'm 31 years old and I can’t stay just to not play," he said.
Despite acknowledging that his uncertain future doesn't bother him and won't distract him from the Euro because he can’t control anything from Germany, he ruled out being in touch with his agent, Juanma López, for updates during the tournament. "With experience, you know that anything that can distract you isn't positive."
Morata showed frustration with the constant demands placed on him. "This year could have been very different for me personally. I had several injuries but didn’t have the season that the club and many fans think I had," he lamented.
"For me, the easiest option is not playing in Spain, because of my life, because of what I have to deal with when I go out in our country. The easiest thing is to go play abroad. Many times my children, who are five years old, don't understand why some people are so angry with their dad. The easiest thing would have been to leave Atlético last summer. I had better financial offers from big clubs. Seeing how people react to our games and victories weighs heavily, but the easiest thing is to leave," he reflected.
Morata dismissed having a bad relationship with Simeone and hopes to have a decisive conversation about his future. "Every summer it seems like I have issues with him, but it's the opposite. There's no problem. Often I talk about life with him, and he’s helped me a lot. But in the end, these are aspects I can’t control. I don’t know if I'm in his plans or the club’s plans, but we’ll talk after the holidays."