In the words of the Grateful Dead, “what a long strange trip its been.”
Chelsea FC have confirmed that a deal has been reached for Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata. Numerous outlets report that the deal, still subject to personal terms and passing a medical, is worth £70 million.
That amount is £5 million shy of what Manchester United paid for Chelsea’s number one summer striker target Romelu Lukaku.
Just a few days ago, Manchester United Manager Jose Mourinho extolled the virtues of Morata, and publicly opened up about how and why United’s pursuit of the forward never came to fruition. The Portugese’ comments four days ago even seemed to potentially keep the door open to a Morata acquisition some day.
With United unwilling to reach Real’s asking price, Old Trafford then turned their attention to Lukaku, who also happened to be Chelsea’s number one summer transfer window target. Yesterday, Mourinho was asked to comment on the Chelsea acquisition of Morata, and the manager said that he was “not interested” in it, but of course what else was he supposed to say in that situation?
We have agreed terms with Real Madrid for the transfer of Alvaro Morata…https://t.co/uuenBgcPH2
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 19, 2017
Morata gave an interview to AS, in which he opened up about everything that’s happened to him this summer transfer rumor silly season.
“It has been quite a strange summer for me. Many things have happened,” Morata said.
“In the end tomorrow I am joining a club who have wanted me for many years, with a boss with whom I have spoken constantly, so I am very happy. I have been giving everything in training to be ready for whatever happened.
“But I was clear that this (exit) was my objective. It is a pity to leave Madrid, but I hope it all goes well for me at Chelsea.”
Given how it all played out, Lukaku and Morata will be compared and contrasted against one another very often this upcoming season. Much will be written and said about who got the better deal, United or Chelsea.
Morata also discussed his relationship with this new manager Antonio Conte, and gave his official goodbye to Real Madrid.
“I’ve already spoken to Conte. I’m going to the team managed by the coach who has placed the most faith in me, and that’s great for me.” the forward said.
“I’m not disappointed [at how my return to Madrid went]. I’ve won four titles here, among those my second Champions League with Madrid but now I only think of putting on the Chelsea shirt.
“Thank you very much to all the Madridistas who have supported me. I will always wish the best to Madrid.”
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV.
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