Morata regrets Milan move and looks back nostalgically at Simeone

Álvaro Morata is currently in full preparation with Spain for the crucial Nations League clash against the Netherlands, scheduled for Thursday, March 20, at 20:45.

The match, set to take place at De Kuip, will be an important test for La Roja as they continue their quest for international success. Amid the intense build-up, the experienced striker took a moment to reflect on his recent struggles in an interview with Cadena SER, admitting that his move from Atlético Madrid to AC Milan last summer was a mistake.

The 32-year-old Spanish international, who has earned 84 caps for his country, had high expectations when he joined Milan, believing that Serie A would offer him a fresh challenge and the chance to re-establish himself as a top European forward. However, the move did not go as planned. Just six months after arriving in Italy, Morata left the Rossoneri in January, joining Turkish giants Galatasaray on loan until January 2026. His departure from Milan was influenced by several factors, most notably the arrival of Mexican striker Santiago Giménez, who quickly established himself as a key figure in Milan’s attack and limited Morata’s opportunities.

During his brief spell at AC Milan, Morata struggled to adapt to the playing style and was unable to deliver consistent performances. In 25 official appearances, he managed just six goals, failing to make a lasting impact in Stefano Pioli’s squad. Despite showing glimpses of his quality, he often found himself on the fringes of the starting lineup and was unable to replicate the form he had shown in previous years with Atlético Madrid, Juventus, and Chelsea.

Looking back on his decision to leave Atlético Madrid, Morata now expresses regret, acknowledging that he may have acted too hastily. He admitted that during difficult times, it is not always easy to make the right decisions, even when those around him warned that leaving Atlético could be a mistake. He now feels he should have given the move more thought, realizing that his time at Atlético, despite its challenges, was perhaps better than he had perceived at the time. If he had the chance to turn back time, he insists, he would have stayed.

His words highlight the emotional and psychological toll that career moves can have on footballers, particularly when they do not go as planned. While some players thrive in new environments, others struggle to adjust, and for Morata, the transition to AC Milan proved to be a misstep. However, he remains determined to turn things around at Galatasaray, where he hopes to regain his confidence and scoring touch.

As Morata shifts his focus to the upcoming Nations League match against the Netherlands, his reflections on past choices serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football careers. Spain is aiming for a strong performance, and the experienced forward will be eager to make his mark in this high-stakes encounter, potentially using the international stage as a platform to rebuild his reputation.

Looking back on his time at Atlético Madrid, Morata has also come to appreciate his former coach, Diego Simeone, more than ever. His experience at Milan made him reflect on the value of having a manager who truly believes in him, and he has now realized that Simeone’s support meant more to him than he acknowledged at the time.

He recalled that Milan had started a new project with coach Paulo Fonseca, and at first, things went well. The team was playing excellent football and managed impressive victories, including wins against Inter and Real Madrid in the Champions League. But as the season progressed, things became complicated. He felt that his position in the squad weakened and that he was seen as a problem rather than a solution. In the summer, Fonseca had called him almost daily, trying to convince him to be part of the project, and at that moment, Morata felt valued. But now, he admits, he did not fully appreciate that he had been valued at Atlético as well.

During his time at Atlético, he went through difficult moments, but it was in those moments that he discovered a different side of Simeone. The Argentine coach, often perceived as tough and unyielding, surprised him on a personal level. Morata saw a more sensitive side of Simeone, someone who cared about his players beyond just their performances on the pitch. Despite the challenges he faced at the club, he now acknowledges that Simeone always believed in him and supported him in ways that he did not fully recognize at the time.

Although his time at Atlético Madrid was filled with ups and downs, the club still holds a special place in Morata’s heart. Having come through the youth ranks at Real Madrid and made his professional debut there, his switch to Atlético was always controversial among fans. But despite receiving criticism from different sides, he insists that he has always given his all for the club. He remains a supporter of Atlético, even now that his journey has taken him to Turkey.

At Galatasaray, Morata is looking for stability and the chance to rebuild his career. His time in Turkey has already had its share of difficulties, as the club was recently knocked out of the Europa League by AZ Alkmaar. But he remains focused on proving himself and contributing to his team.

With Spain, his immediate challenge is the Nations League clash against the Netherlands, where La Roja will look to secure a crucial victory. Morata, despite the challenges he has faced, remains an experienced and important player for his country. The match in De Kuip will be another test for him, an opportunity to show that he still has plenty to offer at the highest level.