Alvaro Morata insists he feels 'at home' at Juventus despite Real Madrid and Premier League interest
Spain striker Alvaro Morata has said that he feels 'at home' at Juventus, where he currently holds a long-term contract. The 23-year-old is one of the hottest properties in world football right now attracting a lot of interest from his former club, Real Madrid, and a host of other European giants.
The Turin club are desperate to keep him at the club but won't be able to do anything while Real Madrid come knocking – since they've inserted a buy-back clause in the Spaniard's contract. Morata, who grew up at Madrid, earlier this year admitted that he'd love a move back 'home'.
Premier League giants Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are all said to be interested in signing the youngster. While Arsene Wenger could really use a striker, Chelsea's Antonio Conte, and Manchester United's Jose Mourinho are in the market to boost their numbers before the domestic season begins.
Speaking to reporters before the start of the UEFA European Championships last night, Morata laid rest to claims that he was close to a move elsewhere. "I'm relaxed because I am under contract with Juve and I feel very at home there," he said.
"I am a Juve player until someone says otherwise. This tournament is important for me, and also for my teammates. It's a dream to be here and that's why I've been able to clear my mind and think only about the Euros."
Morata has also admitted that his build and pace will allow him to settle into the Premier League quickly and the money on offer at England is a lot-lot more than what he can earn at Juventus or in Spain with Real Madrid. At the latter, a starting spot is not guaranteed – much like how his two years have gone in Turin.
While he could improve most of the 'top' teams in Europe, Morata had only a decent season with Maximiliano Allegri's men scoring eight goals and one really really important – but not so decisive – goal against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals where he ran with the ball for almost over eighty meters before passing it to Juan Cuadrado to tuck away.
That run and intelligence to assist outlines the kind of player Morata and why Real Madrid and the host of Premier League clubs are after him. First, however, his focus will be with the national team as they prepare to defend their title.