Alvaro Morata has given his thanks to Real Madrid for allowing him to join Italian giants Juventus this summer.
The 21-year-old, who had been with Los Blancos six years and made 37 La Liga appearances before his €20m move to Turin, returns to his home city in midweek for the Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid.
However, he says it was tough for him to make the breakthrough at the Santiago Bernabeu and says that is the reason he chose to leave, although he showed his gratitude to his former club.
“It was a difficult summer because I was waiting a long time to come to Juventus,” he told Onda Cero’s Al Primer Toque programme.
“At Real Madrid there were five or six players before me [in the pecking order] but here I am appreciated not only as a No 9 but also in other positions.
“Even so, I’m very grateful as thanks to them I am playing in the top flight.”
Morata managed to notch his first Serie A goal at the weekend, scoring in the 3-0 win at Atalanta, and is hoping to form a partnership with fellow Spaniard Fernando Llorente in Turin, one that could well propel him into the national side.
“I’m very lucky to have met up with Fernando at Juve and to have received his support. However, right now the only thing on my mind is being with Spain Under-21’s, although to be called up to the full squad would be an absolute dream.
“I’ve realised that in the last few years Spanish footballers are very highly regarded abroad,” he explained.
