A decade in Spanish red could be coming to a strange end for Alvaro Morata.
Four months ago, he was booed by his own fans during a friendly against Brazil in Madrid. But at the start of Euro 2024, he announced that he would probably leave La Liga to ply his trade in a country where he would feel appreciated.
His children could not understand why so many people were so angry with their father. There was speculation that he was linked to a move to Saudi Arabia.
On the eve of the semi-final against France on Tuesday, the Spain captain told El Mundo that this tournament would “probably” mean the end of his international career.
He really is a man having a nervous breakdown, ridiculing the English version of the same debate: whether they are better off with or without top scorer Harry Kane as leader.
Spain captain Alvaro Morata is ready to walk away after their Euro 2024 final with England
Morata, 31, said this tournament would “probably” mean the end of his international career
It would be fitting if Morata were to hurl the Henri Delaunay trophy into the Berlin sky after winning his 80th international cap, although Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente won’t let him go without a fight.
“We always want to have him,” De la Fuente said. “He’s the best captain we could have. He’s a great footballer, I think. Also generous, always willing to make sacrifices for the good of the team with an exceptional work ethic.
“He is undeniable. As important off the pitch as on it. In the intimacy of the dressing room, he shows us what an exceptional person he is, and I want people to recognize what he has done for Spanish football. And recognize him as one of the greats of Spanish football. Let’s hope this is not his last tournament with the national team.”
The feeling extends from the coaching staff and through the players, who feel protective of their leader. Like De la Fuente, they appreciate the selflessness of his runs that create space for others. “He plays up front and he’s the one who runs the most,” says attacking midfielder Dani Olmo. “He runs for himself, for the three in attack and for me. He helps us, he’s the reference point, the number nine, a pillar up there.
“That’s apart from the goals he can give us. The goals are the least, but he has scored a lot in World Cups, Nations League and other competitions. The most important thing is the work he does, the solidarity he brings.”
De la Fuente eventually chose Morata as his captain after Sergio Busquets retired following the World Cup and Jordi Alba, the latter left for the all-conquering Spanish sides that won back-to-back Euros in 2008 and 2012 and the World Cup in 2010. At 31, the Atlético striker has spent his entire career at the top of European club football, winning major trophies with Real Madrid, Juventus and Chelsea, and making his debut for Spain in November 2014.
With 36 international goals, he is the fourth all-time top scorer for his country, just two behind Fernando Torres in a list headed by David Villa (59) and Raul (44). With David Silva in fifth place, this is territory for true legends. Morata, however, remains unloved. He has attracted criticism for his erratic finishing, often amplified by public commentary and his perceived sensitivity to it. His Chelsea career was most notable for some of the theatrical responses on social media, as he railed against criticism that would have gone unnoticed by anyone else.
He grumbled and moaned about Antonio Conte’s brand of football and suffered from a back problem during his time in London, although he did score one or two majestic headers before negotiating an early exit.
Morata is fourth in the list of Spain’s all-time top scorers and is valued in the dressing room
It is unlikely that Spain coach Luis de la Fuente will simply let the Atletico Madrid striker go
Morata’s presence has helped young players such as Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams
Morata’s value to this Spanish team is undeniable. His willingness to take charge, hold up the ball and form an air force has allowed De la Fuente to add the luxury of two genuine wingers. Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal have won plaudits for their menacing pace. Olmo claimed the winning goal against France in the semi-final on Tuesday.
Rodri and Fabian Ruiz dominated the midfield but it was Morata who got things going with Spain’s first goal of the tournament, less than half an hour into their 3-0 win over Croatia.
Morata is expected to lead the team against England in today’s final, when he could become the first Spanish man to lift a major international trophy since Iker Casillas in Kiev. Whether that will be enough to change the narrative remains to be seen.