A decade in the red in Spain could be coming to a curious end for Álvaro Morata.
Booed by his own fans during a friendly against Brazil in Madrid four months ago, he began Euro 2024 by declaring that he would probably leave La Liga to practice his profession in a country where he felt appreciated.
His children could not understand why so many people were so angry with their father, and there was speculation linking him to a move to Saudi Arabia.
Ahead of Tuesday’s semi-final against France, the Spain captain told El Mundo that this tournament would “probably” mark the end of his international career.
This is truly a man with angst in his pants, mocking the English version of the same debate: whether they are better off with or without goalscorer Harry Kane up front.
Spain captain Alvaro Morata is set to leave after Euro 2024 final with England
Morata, 31, said this tournament would “probably” mark the end of his international career.
The end may come with Morata throwing the Henri Delaunay trophy into the Berlin sky after winning his 80th international cap for Spain, although Spain coach Luis de la Fuente is not prepared to let him walk away.
“We always want him to be there,” said De la Fuente. “He is the best captain we could have had. He is a great footballer in my opinion. He is also generous, always willing to sacrifice himself for the good of the team and with an exceptional level of work.”
‘It’s indisputable. He’s as important on the pitch as he is off it. In the privacy of the dressing room he shows us that he’s an exceptional human being and I’d like people to recognise what he’s done for Spanish football. And to recognise him as one of the greats of Spanish football. Let’s hope that this isn’t his last tournament with the national team.’
The feeling extends from the coaching staff to 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, the number nine, a pillar up there.
“That’s apart from the goals he can give us. The goals are the least important thing, but he has scored a lot in World Cups, Nations Leagues and other competitions. The most important thing is the work he puts in, the solidarity he brings.”
De la Fuente eventually settled on Morata as his captain following the retirement of Sergio Busquets after the World Cup and Jordi Alba, the last links to the all-conquering Spain sides that won back-to-back European Championships in 2008 and 2012 and the World Cup in 2010. Now 31, the Atletico centre-forward has spent his entire career at the very top of European club football, winning major honours with Real Madrid, Juventus and Chelsea, and making his debut for Spain in November 2014.
With 36 international goals, he is his country’s fourth all-time top scorer, 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 bona fide legends. Morata, however, remains unloved. He has drawn criticism for his erratic finishing, often amplified by public comments and his apparent sensitivity about it. His Chelsea career was most notable for some theatrical reactions on social media, as he ranted against criticism that almost no one else had registered.
He sulked and complained about Antonio Conte’s style of football and struggled with 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 on Spain’s all-time scoring list and is highly valued in the dressing room
Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente is unlikely to let the Atletico Madrid striker leave freely
Morata’s presence has helped players like youngsters Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams.
Morata’s value to the Spanish national team is undeniable. His willingness to lead the attacking line, keep possession and provide an aerial presence has allowed De la Fuente to add the luxury of two pure wingers. Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal have earned praise for their menacing pace. Olmo claimed the winner against France in Tuesday’s semi-final.
Rodri and Fabián Ruiz have dominated the midfield but it was Morata who set things in motion with Spain’s first goal of the tournament less than half an hour into the 3-0 win over Croatia.
Morata is expected to lead the team against England in today’s final, where he could become the first Spaniard to lift a major international trophy since Iker Casillas in kyiv. Whether that will be enough to change history remains to be seen.