Premier League Champions Chelsea have officially announced the signing of Spanish striker Alvaro Morata form Real Madrid.
The 24-year-old striker has joined the Blues for a transfer fee of £70million and has signed a five-year contract, having netted 20 goals in all competitions for the Los Blancos last season.
The Spaniard was not a regular starter and was not happy with life at Real Madrid under former boss Zinedine Zidane due to lack of game-time – and has now opted to join Antonio Conte’s side after being guaranteed a crucial first-team role.
A message from the new boy, @AlvaroMorata…#WelcomeMorata pic.twitter.com/zcNI9CGC1h
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 21, 2017
Morata told Chelsea’s official website: “I am so happy to be here. It’s an incredible emotion to be part of this big club. I am looking to work hard, score as many goals as I can and to win as many trophies as possible.”
Chelsea’s technical director Michael Emanelo added: “We believe he can make a great impact for Chelsea and look forward to seeing him in action. Alvaro has proven class at the highest level and his quality will be a huge asset to Antonio and the squad.”
Morata will now jet off to China, where he will meet his Chelsea team-mates on their pre-season tour of Asia, as they gear up to lock horns with Arsenal in Beijing on Saturday.
.@AlvaroMorata was straight down to work. Click to see more of his first day as a Chelsea player… https://t.co/WLya0a8Pl4 #WelcomeMorata pic.twitter.com/gTXlj9zrxm
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 21, 2017
Earlier, the Spaniard was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United but transfer talks broke down as both the clubs couldn’t reach an agreement, with the Red Devils moving on to hijack Chelsea target Romelu Lukaku from Everton for £75million.
Conte reiterated that Morata was his top-striker target for the No.9 role at Chelsea, despite the club’s attempts to sign former player Romelu Lukaku before the Belgian snubbed a return to join Manchester United.
“I think for sure this is a good signing for us, he is a young player but has a lot of experience, he went to Juventus and Real Madrid,” Conte said of him. “He has a lot of experience and I think this is a good signing for us.”
Antonio Conte has been discussing @AlvaroMorata… pic.twitter.com/RnROVCp4t9
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 21, 2017
Morata, who rose through the ranks at Real Madrid had missed a chance to play under the Italian at Juventus, joining the Old Lady for a two-season stint just after Conte parted ways with the Serie A club for his Italy national team job.
But now the Spaniard has revealed that Conte’s influence has played a pivotal role in convincing him to make a move to Stamford Bridge.
See you in ??, @AlvaroMorata! #WelcomeMorata pic.twitter.com/sUReoOE8bS
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 21, 2017
Morata said: “I’m going to the team managed by the coach who has placed the most faith in me.”
The Spaniard has now become Chelsea’s fourth signing this summer, following the arrival of Willy Caballero, Antonio Rudiger and Tiemoue Bakayoko.