Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata has insisted that he has nothing to prove to the club and has outlined what it will take for him to stay.
Los Blancos exercised the buy-back clause in the Spanish international’s contract with Juventus this week, thus securing his return to the Bernabeu.
The general consensus is that the La Liga giants have done so with a view of selling him on for a profit, with a number of Premier League clubs said to be interested in acquiring him ahead of next season.
However, although suggesting that his future probably does lie away from the Spanish capital, Morata isn’t completely giving up on a future with Real as he insists that he doesn’t have anything to prove and would like an opportunity to fight for a regular starting spot.
“I’ve got nothing to prove,” he told Cuatro. “I’m not a Castilla [Real Madrid’s second team] player anymore. Madrid will decide if I am able or not. If not, I’ll have to take another decision.
“All I want is to be just another member of the squad and fight for a place in the side. My only intention is to be happy and be in a place where I feel wanted.
“I’m a Real Madrid player and that’s all I can say. I’d love to continue at Real Madrid, but I want to feel like I am important and battle to win a place.”
It remains to be seen whether or not he gets his wish, as ultimately he’ll have to sit down and talk with coach Zinedine Zidane about the plans for the season ahead.
The 23-year-old did more than enough during his time with Juventus to prove that he can play a pivotal role for one of the top clubs in Europe, and although a deal to sell him may make financial sense for Real, they would certainly be losing a top-class striker with plenty of time and room for improvement.
Nevertheless, Morata should be commended for making his intentions clear, as although naturally he would love to stay with the Spanish giants, he is prioritising having a key role for an important period in his career.