Alvaro Morata has praised Isco and reflected what it means to play for Spain ahead of an expected senior debut against Belarus.
Morata has been given the No.10 shirt for the Euro 2016 qualifier and the following friendly with Germany and told an interview with Marca of his first memory of the national team.
“I remember Alfono’s goal against Yugoslavia at Euro 2000,” he recalled, back to when he was seven-years-old.
“I realised it was very important but I didn’t know what was at stake. I also remember my parents bought me those boots, Joma Alfonso, which were white, and then there was Joma Morientes, in yellow.
“Playing in the lower categories was the most beautiful experience. I made a lot of friends there and had some incredible years.
“I was taught respect above all. I think it has to be defended with honour and pride. There are many people who suffer with the team’s matches and when you win they’re the happiest in the world.
“To have so many people behind you makes you assume a great responsibility.”
Morata was banned as La Rojita missed out on a place at next year’s Euro Under-21 Championships and admitted he is sad at the idea of not playing with that group again.
“I spent three days sleeping poorly. I take my share of the blame. I didn’t do well but neither did some other people,” he noted.
“I don’t know if we’d have gone through or not. I didn’t think it’d be the last time. When I got to the hotel I mourned with Iker Muniain and those who spent a lot of time together.
“We didn’t think we could be knocked out. Perhaps that is the mistake we made.”
Morata has known Isco for a long time, from their days with the Spain Under-17s, and believes the Madrid starlet looks the antithesis of a footballer.
“If you didn’t know, from his appearance you’d never say he was a footballer,” Morata said.
“But he is particularly unpredictable and has the magic where you never know what he is going to do.”
