National team captain Alvaro Morata has sparked storm in the Spanish camp after threatening to leave the team following the Euro 2024 tournament due to “nonsense” criticisms.
Morata has acknowledged that the bad treatment would make it “easiest” for him to relocate overseas and revealed the impact on his wife and four kids.
He also hinted at the possibility of leaving Atletico Madrid just a week after appearing to commit his future to the club, furiously declaring that “in Spain, there’s no respect for anyone.”
Alvaro Morata’s explosive outburst
The 31-year-old striker revealed in an explosive interview ahead of Tuesday’s semi-final clash with France that this might be his last tournament for La Roja.
”It could be [my last tournament with Spain],’ Morata told the outlet. ‘It’s a possibility that I don’t want to talk about too much, but it’s probable,” Morata told El Mundo.
The who previously played for Real Madrid, Juventus, and Chelsea before coming to Atletico on loan in 2019 has a contentious connection with Spain’s supporters.
In March, he was subjected to jeers during a friendly match against Brazil at the Bernabeu, and he had also been booed throughout Spain’s Euro 2020 campaign.
”In Spain it’s hard for me to be happy,” Morata said.
”Without doubt [I’m happier outside of Spain]. I’ve said it many times. Above all, because people respect me.
”In Spain there’s no respect for anything or anyone.”
After false reports stated he was given a yellow card after the 2-1 victory over Germany, the 31-year-old will be eligible to play against France.
”The other day, people said I was crying [on the touchline] because I’d been given a yellow card,’ a furious Morata added.
”What nonsense is that! I was crying because my country, with me as captain, had got into the semifinals.
”I could never criticise someone who was crying because of that. But I’m criticised, when I’d cut my hand off to win the Euros.”
He continued, ”I try to enjoy this tournament, which could be my last games with the national team, and in the future, what will be, will be.
”Maybe one day they’ll even miss me. Each day, the moment for leaving is closer, that’s why I enjoy it, that’s why I’ll cry at whatever comes next, for good or bad.”
