AC Milan conducted the first half of their striker business in the summer mercato at an early stage. However, Alvaro Morata did not join the squad until August due to winning the European Championship with Spain.
After failing to land Joshua Zirkzee, Milan quickly got an option through the door, and whilst many questioned the deal and the reasoning to go from Zirkzee to Morata, it represents an incredibly shrewd bit of business.
The Rossoneri bought a European Champion who has consistently scored goals for fun at an elite level for €13 million. A deal which is nearly three times less than what would have been paid for the Dutch striker.
Of course, he is in a different part of his career than the Manchester United player, but perhaps that is an advantage. Morata has played for several big clubs previously, so joining Milan there are no shocks, and there should be no waiting for the novelties to wear off.
Having spent the past few weeks recovering from an injury, he is expected to return against Venezia after the international break. If he does not play then, he will almost definitely be back for the games against Liverpool and Inter.
Today, his former Juventus teammate, Federico Mattiello, spoke to Tuttomercatoweb about the move, and his words have been relayed by Radio Rossonera.
Recalling his arrival at Juventus…
“When he arrived at Juventus he was young, a bit like me even though he is three years older. We were both young, he was immature as a player, but you could see his qualities.”
Morata as a person…
“On a human level he is a great guy and I am happy that he won a European Championship with the national team. He needs no introduction because of what he has done in recent years and in particular recently.”
Is it a good deal for Milan?
“He started scoring more, he was the European champion as captain. For the price that was paid, Milan made a bargain, especially for the figures that are going around now on strikers. Surely he can do well.”
