AC Milan forward Alvaro Morata opened up to The Athletic, sharing his thoughts and reflections as he prepared for the upcoming Champions League match against his former club, Real Madrid. Morata, who has a deep connection with Madrid, spoke candidly about facing the team that played a pivotal role in shaping his career, offering insight into his mindset ahead of what promises to be an emotionally charged encounter.
“It’s exactly like Real Madrid’s. Before coming to Milan, everyone told me the air you breathe here is different. It’s enough to come and eat in the restaurant here at Milanello. You look around and see all the players who have won things for Milan. For me, Milan has always played an important role in football history.”
“My sister gave me Kaka’s jersey as a present. I remember his goal against Manchester United in 2007. I remember the boots Kaka had; everything about him. Milan fought for the Champions League in that era, and I remember the games.”
“In football, you never know. We have to believe. We’re AC Milan, and we aim to win everything. If we lose against a top team, it’s because it’s the Champions League, but we’re obliged to think we can do it. We must think it’s possible.”
“Rafa has talent. He’s the best player on the team and just needs to keep doing what he’s doing. It’s only a phase, and often, it’s like that for attacking players. A big goal or an easy one will be enough for him to get his confidence back. It’s not easy. Everything Rafa does is a story, but he’s so important for us and we need him. He knows that perfectly well. He’s working hard, and it’s just a phase. His time will come this season, and he’ll make us win.”
“It’s normal to have pressure playing at San Siro, playing in the Champions League, and every time you pull on a shirt like this. Every game brings responsibility. It’s more a privilege than a burden. Many players would give anything to play for these teams and I’ve been fortunate enough to play for lots of them at the highest level. I’m very happy about that.”
“I had to read that I wasn’t good enough to be captain, that we weren’t a good team, that it wasn’t possible to win the Euros. It wasn’t a vendetta because, at the end of the day, I don’t have to prove myself to anyone — but it was great. Films and documentaries are coming out about the Euros, and people will get to see what we did.”
“I spent a lot of time-fighting against my mind and, in the end, when I couldn’t take it anymore, I asked for help. You don’t have to reach the limit to ask for help and treat this problem. We must be ready to go from heaven to hell in a split second, for a chance, or for a few centimeters.”
“I don’t think things have changed much. But I’m aware of it, and I expect to be booed and everything else. It’s normal.”
“For me, success in life isn’t winning a European Championship, a World Cup, a Champions League, or scoring 600 goals. The greatest success you can have is when all the people you spend your days with, the people you work with, really know you. You’ll never find a teammate, a friend, or a person I’ve talked to and opened up to who doesn’t say I’m a good person, and that’s the most important thing for me.”
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