Chelsea striker becomes Atletico’s problem for 18 months

Ian Watson

Atletico Madrid have confirmed the loan signing of midfielder Alvaro Morata from Chelsea until the end of next season.

The 26-year-old has completed the deal with Atletico after passing a medical in the Spanish capital on Sunday.

Morata told Atletico’s official website: “I’m very happy and proud to be here. I can’t wait to start training, meet my new teammates and play.”

Morata started his career at Atletico’s academy before moving on to have two spells with city rivals Real.

He joined Chelsea for a reported £58 million in 2017 and made an impressive start in the Premier League.

But Morata has found his opportunities increasingly limited since the arrival of new Blues boss Maurizio Sarri.

Morata’s Stamford Bridge exit was effectively sealed last week when Sarri questioned where the player’s loyalties lay.

Sarri said: “Morata is potentially a very good player. He has the characteristics for playing in my team, but one month ago he said he wanted to play for another team.

“It was very difficult for him to give us 100 per cent because of his mental situation. ”