Morata reveals biggest factor in choosing Chelsea

Ian Watson

Alvaro Morata says Antonio Conte was the biggest factor in his decision to join Chelsea this summer.

The former Real Madrid striker was heavily linked with Manchester United until the Red Devils opted to pursue Romelu Lukaku, who it was thought was Chelsea’s main target.

The Blues then made a move for Morata, who made the switch to Stamford Bridge in a £70million deal.

Morata insists he had other options but the lure of working with Conte proved to be the deciding factor.

“I had various offers this summer,” said Morata in the Daily Mail. “Not only Chelsea and Manchester United but also from different leagues. It was a good situation for me.

“The most important and best conversation I had was with Conte, he wanted me to come here. I felt in debt to him. He signed me for Juventus but left very quickly to manage Italy. I always wanted to play for him after that.

“At the start of the summer, I didn’t know that Chelsea were interested in me. I thought they were in for a different player, maybe Lukaku or maybe someone else, I don’t know. I didn’t think the option of Chelsea was open.”