The ManicaPost
Chelsea have made their move for the Real Madrid striker, agreeing a fee worth an initial £58m rising to around £70m with add-ons.
Antonio Conte has been frustrated with Chelsea’s transfer dealings this summer but has now landed a top-quality striker to replace Diego Costa.
The 24-year-old revealed why he has joined the Blues, telling Sky Sports: “Because it’s the best club. Antonio Conte is one of the best coaches in the world and I am so happy to work with Antonio.”
But he dodged a question about why a move to Manchester United broke down, replying: “I don’t know. The most important thing is I am here, I will play for Chelsea.”
Morata aimed a thinly-veiled dig at Jose Mourinho when speaking to reporters at LAX airport yesterday after leaving Real Madrid’s pre-season training camp.
He said: “I’m going to the team managed by the coach who has placed the most faith in me, and that’s great for me.”
Manchester United tried to sign Morata earlier this summer but turned to Romelu Lukaku after being frustrated by their talks with Real Madrid.
Lukaku was being lined up for a return to Chelsea before United swooped with a £75m deal.
Morata left Real Madrid’s pre-season training camp in the USA yesterday, with footage being posted by the Spanish club on Twitter this morning.
But the 24-year-old is fully focused on Chelsea and has spoken to former striker Fernando Torres and full-back Cesar Azpilicueta about the club.
“I have thanked him (Zinedine Zidane) for everything, and wished him luck for this year,” Morata added. — Sky Sports.
