Alvaro Morata gave his first press conference as an AC Milan player, sharing his first impressions of the club, and how Zlatan Ibrahimovic was an idol of his. The Spanish international spent a large part of his career in Serie A, albeit for Juventus, and his move to Milan was shaped by the clubs history:
First Impressions: “Thank you to everyone who brought me here. I had several opportunities to return to Italy over the years, but once I spoke with Zlatan and the coach, there was no doubt. No team has ever wanted me this much. It felt like I was already part of Milan during the Euros. I need trust and to feel comfortable. I have no issues if someone tells me, ‘You’re playing terribly.’ The coach, the club, and Ibra have shown they believe in me. It’s hard to find a club with such organization, and I can’t wait to get on the field. I can’t promise titles, but I will work tirelessly to press and help my teammates: a leader pushes his teammates to their best.”
Inspiration from Milan: “Ibra is one of my greatest idols; I always asked friends about him. It’s a dream to be alongside him. I’ve spoken with Kaká, Sheva, Pato, and David Beckham, who told me there’s something different about Milan. A significant part of football history was written here.”
Personal Expectations: “Winning. Scoring 50 or 60 goals doesn’t matter to me. Some players score millions of goals but win nothing. It’s about winning. We’re in a team sport, and there are many strong players here. When I entered Milanello yesterday, I felt the atmosphere, and I assure you, it can only get better. Scoring goals isn’t my main concern. I want to bring the second star and make history. I know these are the last years of my career, but they’re the best.”
Current Form: “Without a doubt, this is the best Morata of my career. It’s not usually my character, but I’m very happy and content, and Milan will see that signing Morata was a good decision.”
Serie A’s Evolution: “The league has grown a lot; it’s more exciting to watch every year. Ten years ago, it was very different, more tactical with fewer goals. Now, every team is well-prepared and well-coached. Inter being eliminated in the Champions League was a great satisfaction.”
On Juventus: “I’m grateful and thank them for what they did for me. Friends are friends, but for dinner, you greet each other after matches, sometimes not because you’re upset about losing. Now I’m a Milan player. This is a new adventure.”
Comparison to Spain: “There are very similar players here. Some can become the best in the world, if they aren’t already. The coach’s idea of play is very similar to what I like. It’s important for me to fit well into the group, and my teammates will understand who I am. I don’t want goals and fame; I want to win.”
On Theo Hernandez: “I’ve always had a great relationship with Theo: he’s fun and open. I vacationed with him for a few days. I hope he’s fueled up because he’s crucial for this team. He can make the final leap in quality. He has the characteristics and potential to be the best left-back in the world, and I’ll remind him of that every morning.”
Thoughts on Fonseca: “I’ve spoken with the coach several times, even at length. I didn’t need much more information to make my decision. His idea is very similar to what I like and where I know I can excel. I haven’t spoken with Max, but when I see him, it will be fun because he has always helped me a lot.”
Facing Juventus Again: “This is part of football: if you go to a theater and don’t like what you see… Boos are fine when you deserve them, and insults from rival teams are normal. I’ve never experienced disrespect in Italy when I was with my family.”
Emotional Connection with Milan: “If I’m here, to be honest, it’s for this. It’s an emotion to be called by Milan, to be called by Ibrahimovic. I could have gone elsewhere for money or to relax. I’m in the perfect place, at the perfect age: to do well and win for 5 or 6 years.”
Wearing the Number 7 and Following Giroud: “I don’t think about the pressure. From the moment you step into Milanello… Olivier was a teammate at Chelsea, and I had the chance to learn from him and share things with him. When everything was almost done, Ibra sent me a video, and I got goosebumps with all the goals from the best players, many of whom played at Milan.”
Contributing to Milan’s Success: “I need to have the desire to win and know how to do it. At the last Euros, they said we were too young and it was impossible: in the end, you have to believe and work hard. With all this, you can achieve anything. That’s why I can’t wait to join the group and remind everyone of their worth every morning. I love seeing others work, dream, and be happy.”
