Alvaro Morata is yet to find the back of the net in the European Championship.
Spain star striker Alvaro Morata hinted at retiring at the end of Euro 2024, as his team prepares to face France in the semi-final on Tuesday. Spain defeated hosts Germany in the quarter-final after a late goal by Mikel Merino, securing their spot in the last four where they will take on France at Allianz Arena.
Morata has yet to score in Euro 2024, with youngsters Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams leading Spain’s attack. The former Real Madrid striker, currently serving as vice-captain to veteran Jesus Navas, is the fourth all-time top-scorer in Spain’s history with 36 goals.
Despite his status, Morata expressed feeling a lack of respect in Spain, contrasting the treatment he receives with his family to when he is with the team.
“Yes, definitely. I have said it many times. Above all, because people respect me. In Spain there is no respect for anything or anyone,” Morata said.
“When I go with my family, everyone loves me, everyone treats me well. But when I go with a team, with football, it’s totally different. Look, the other day, they said I was crying because I had been shown a yellow card. What nonsense is that.”
Morata added that he is focused on winning the Euro, hinting at a potential retirement from international football.
“I was crying because my country, with me as captain, had reached the semi-finals. I could never criticise a person who is there crying about that. Well, they criticise me, when I would cut off my hand to win the Euros.
“I’m trying to enjoy this tournament, which could be my last matches with the national team, and the future, whatever it has to be, will be. Maybe one day they’ll even miss me. Every day the moment of leaving is getting closer, that’s why I enjoy it, that’s why I cry, that’s why I’ll cry with whatever comes next, for better or worse.”