Álvaro Morata returns to the Santiago Bernabéu, a familiar and always challenging arena. After playing for high-profile clubs such as Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, and Juventus, the Spanish striker, now a key player for AC Milan, is fully aware of what awaits him in this new visit: "I expect boos at the Bernabéu… It's normal," he admitted in a recent interview with *The Athletic.* 

At Milan, Morata has found his place as a player of sacrifice and leadership. Although his stats this season don’t stand out in terms of goals, coach Paulo Fonseca has managed to utilize his skills to enhance the team’s collective play. Morata is the type of forward who doesn’t only think about scoring but also focuses on facilitating ball movement, supporting circulation, and assisting his teammates in attack. “Success for me is that everyone knows I am a good person,” he stated, and at Milan, this seems to be his defining mark.

With two goals and one assist in thirteen games, the Spanish striker has faced criticism for his lack of scoring consistency, but his role in the team goes beyond numbers. Morata is crucial in defensive pressing and, on several occasions, has sacrificed his position to help recover possession. This effort has even cost him multiple yellow cards, a testament that his dedication on the pitch is not just offensive but all-encompassing.

The wait to shine again in the Champions League continues, but Morata remains confident. He recognizes that his new role requires more work outside the box, which could explain his more modest goal tally. However, both his teammates and Milan's fans appreciate his work and commitment, as his presence on the field gives the team stability in moments of pressure. The Madrid native understands that his contribution in game-building is key, especially in a squad with offensive talents like Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic. 

The Bernabéu will see a different Morata this time—one who arrives as a leader in Milan and as captain of the European champion Spanish national team. For him, football maturity also means embracing the role of mentor and support for his teammates, something he says enriches him as a person. The Madrid fans, on the other hand, will have the final say in this story, where boos and applause remain part of a back-and-forth connection between the player and the stadium where he first made his name.