Morata on referees' 'favoritism' of Real: 'Everybody knows it'

For several years now, one of the topics of the transfer window has been Alvaro Morata. The experienced Spaniard played for Real Madrid, Juventus, Real again, then Chelsea, Atletico Madrid, Juventus again, before returning to Atletico last season. And, again this summer, his name was often linked with other clubs. It was mentioned that the 30-year-old Morata could once again play in Italy, in Milan or Roma, and at one point it seemed that he was close to going to Al Tavon from Saudi Arabia, who offered him a fantastic 50,000,000 euros a year. However, he chose to stay at Atlético Madrid, and in a conversation with Spanish journalists before his selection's duels with Scotland and Norway in the qualifiers for the European Championship, he explained why.

Although he went through the schools of both Madrid giants as a youngster, made his professional debut in the Real Madrid jersey, Morata never hid his love for the red and white stripes. However, his stay at Atlético was questioned due to dissatisfaction with the playing time that Diego Simeone gave him last season. That is why the experienced goal scorer asked for a conversation with the coach and management of the club.

"It's true that we talked during the summer. I wanted to know if the club considers me an important player and if I will play more compared to last season, because I don't think I played enough. I was close to leaving because I didn't get the treatment I deserved. It's different now, during the conversation we had, I was told that they wanted me to stay at the club. It was a constructive conversation, which meant a lot to me" Morata pointed out.

From a quiet boy to the nation's leader - The Red Fury has a new captain

The Spaniard also wanted to know what his teammates and other people at the club thought of him.

"Apart from the conversation with Simeone, it was also important for me how my teammates see me. They know that sometimes I score goals, sometimes not, but every time I will 'die' for the victory of Atletico Madrid. My dream is to win the title with this club. It’s more important than money. I could go back to another country, where I am appreciated more, but the feeling that I could be a champion with Atletico Madrid has more value for me. Every summer I have several options to choose a club, but my first option has always been Atlético Madrid" assures Morata, who at one point was close to leaving for Barcelona.

Avenger Morata kills Real Madrid with a brace

Last season, the Atletico Madrid forward scored 15 goals, 13 of them in the Spanish championship and two in the Copa del Rey. This is already at seven - five in Primera and two in the Champions League.

"I hope that the season will continue to go on an upward path. First, let's win these two games in the national team, which would bring us significantly closer to qualifying for the European Championship. I have a feeling that this season could be great. I feel good both in the club and in the national team, I don't think I've ever had the chance to play that much" Morata concluded.

Of course, the journalists couldn’t stay away from ‘tricky questions’, like refereeing. There were some controversies last week in a game between Atletico and Real Sociedad when Morata was not awarded the penalty. The journalist asked if the treatment of the referees is different at Real Madrid to which he replied with a smile: “You know the answer and everyone knows it.” To which the journalist replied: “But I would like it to be you who gave me the answer.” And Morata retorts, all smiles: “No need, you know the answer. You know it”.