Álvaro Morata has joined AC Milan on a permanent transfer from Atlético Madrid, the Serie A side announced on Friday.
Morata, Spain’s Euro 2024 captain, has undergone a medical before signing a four-year contract with the team. Rossoneri.
The 31-year-old has scored 46 goals in 117 appearances for Atletico after joining the club on an initial loan deal from Chelsea in January 2019.
His decision to leave the Rojiblancos With two years left on his contract, Morata surprised fans knowing that just a few weeks ago, Morata had posted a photo on Instagram of himself wearing an Atletico shirt with the message: “I can’t imagine what it must be like to win with this shirt and I’m not going to stop until I have it @atleticodemadrid.”
However, Morata had complained during the European Championship in Germany that he received no respect from the media and fans in Spain.
“When you are in a place where, for different reasons, you cannot give your 100%, it is the best option for everyone (to leave),” Morata said of his decision to leave Atlético.
On what made him decide to join AC Milan, he told Sky Italia: “A simple thing. The trust that Zlatan (Ibrahimovic), the team and the coach have shown in me.
“I know I still have the best years of my career ahead of me and I want to go to this great club that is Milan.
“The truth is that the Italians have treated me with incredible respect. I can’t wait to go back and play there again (in Serie A).
“They passed on all the positive things to me.”
Morata had seen his playing time reduced this year, but in Milan he is expected to find playing time following the departure of French striker Olivier Giroud. The 37-year-old joined LAFC after his contract with the club. Rossoneri expired in June.
Morata spent four seasons on loan at Juventus, in two spells at the club. He won two league titles and three Coppa Italia trophies with the Turin giants before returning to Atlético in the summer of 2022.
Milan announced in their statement that Morata will wear the number 7 shirt at the club.
