Álvaro Morata has made a surprising decision to leave AC Milan to join Galatasaray in Türkiye. This decision comes just six months after his arrival at the Italian club, following his departure from Atlético de Madrid. Tensions in the locker room, especially after the arrival of Portuguese coach Sergio Conceição, have influenced his departure.
Morata's Career at Atlético de Madrid
Morata joined Atlético de Madrid in January 2019, initially on loan from Chelsea. During his first stint with the colchoneros, he played 61 matches and scored 22 goals, leaving some memorable games for the fans. His performance caught the attention of Simeone, who appreciated his ability to adapt to the team's playing style.
In September 2020, Morata was loaned to Juventus, where he stayed for two seasons before returning to Atlético de Madrid in 2022. In his second stint with the rojiblancos, he participated in 45 matches and scored 12 goals, establishing himself as an important piece in the team's attack. However, the fans never fully warmed up to him after some instances where the Spaniard was not on target.
Stint at AC Milan and Reasons for His Departure
In July 2024, Morata was transferred to AC Milan for a figure close to 13 million euros. However, his stay in Italy was not as expected, despite playing 25 matches and scoring 6 goals. However, internal tensions in the locker room, exacerbated by the arrival of coach Sergio Conceição, created an unfavorable environment for the Spanish forward.
These circumstances led Morata to seek an exit, finding in Galatasaray an opportunity to revitalize his career. The Turkish club, leader of its national league, has shown a determined interest in the forward, who is expected to arrive in Istanbul in the coming hours to formalize his incorporation. Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed the move through his social media.
Reactions at Atlético de Madrid and Future in Türkiye
Morata's decision has surprised many, including his former coach, Simeone, who didn't anticipate this turn in the forward's career. At Galatasaray, Morata will join a competitive squad looking to consolidate its dominance in the Turkish league and advance in European competitions. His experience and skills will be crucial to achieving these goals.
With this new stage, Morata hopes to leave recent difficulties behind and prove his worth in a different environment. Time will tell if this decision will allow him to regain his best form and significantly contribute to the success of his new team. His farewell to top-level leagues has occurred much earlier than expected.