Alvaro Morata shows off his kick-up skills on the golf course
The Spain international was unhappy with not being the first-choice striker at Real Madrid and sought a transfer in pre-season.
That led to a reunion with Antonio Conte, who originally signed him at Juventus in 2014 but never managed the striker for the Serie A giants after taking the Italy job later that summer.
The two have always spoken highly of each other but now at Stamford Bridge the pair would finally be able to work together.
And Morata has credited Conte’s continued faith in the striker as the reason to why he is now enjoying his football more than ever.
It was my destiny to play for Antonio Conte
Alvaro Morata
“Chelsea made the biggest effort to sign me and I’m so happy to be here. It was my destiny to play for Antonio Conte,” Morata told FourFourTwo.
"After bringing me to Juventus before he joined Italy in 2014, I always thought that we would get back together. He’s gone to the death for me.
“His is a huge assist, if you like, for me coming to Chelsea, because I really wanted to renew that relationship with him and repay all the faith that he’s shown in me. I’ve already improved so much under him.
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Alvaro Morata wanted to play under Antonio Conte
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Alvaro Morata said Antonio Conte fought hard to bring him to Chelsea in the summer
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“This is perhaps the first time in my senior career that I've started five matches in a row, or felt like the No.1 striker at a club,” the Spaniard says. “Any coach who gives you that support gives you so much confidence – it’s what I needed this year.
“It’s a big responsibility being the main centre-forward at Chelsea, because you’re the team’s reference. You support every attacking move, because they look to get the ball into your feet or into the channels.
“The tactical system here is even more complete than when I was at Juventus, which was based on what Conte left behind. It’s all about maintaining the team’s rhythm and tactics. You don’t have much time to think and you must learn quickly.”
