Álvaro Morata has openly admitted that he regrets leaving Atlético Madrid last summer. The Spanish striker, who led La Roja to their UEFA Euro 2024 triumph, departed Atlético Madrid for AC Milan in July 2024 after spending a total of four seasons at the club across two different spells.

  

However, his time in Italy was cut short as he struggled to settle at AC Milan. After just six months, the 32-year-old was loaned out to Turkish giants Galatasaray in January, following Milan's decision to sack Paulo Fonseca and replace him with Sérgio Conceição. Morata’s move to Milan, which was initially intended to provide him with a fresh challenge, quickly turned into a period of instability and uncertainty.

  

Now, as he prepares for Spain’s crucial UEFA Nations League quarterfinal showdown against the Netherlands, the experienced forward has taken a moment to reflect on what has been a turbulent year in his footballing career and his ultimate decision to leave Atlético Madrid.

  

“I Should Have Thought About It More”

  

Speaking candidly in an interview with Spanish radio station Cadena SER on Tuesday, Morata admitted that, in hindsight, he made a rushed decision when opting to leave Atlético Madrid.

  

“In the summer, I should have thought about things more,” he revealed.

  

“I should have considered whether leaving Atlético Madrid was truly the right decision for me at that time. When certain things in life aren’t going well, you sometimes end up making choices that don’t just affect your football career but also other aspects of your life.”

  

Morata has previously been open about his struggles with mental health, revealing in past interviews that he experienced bouts of depression and even contemplated stepping away from international football due to the emotional toll of the sport.

  

Reflecting on his departure from Atlético Madrid, the striker now acknowledges that he had more support within the club than he initially realized.

  

“Looking back, I wouldn’t have made the same decision. At the time, I didn’t fully see reality for what it was. We had just been crowned European champions, and I was beginning to feel more appreciated and understood at Atlético. There were more and more people within the club who genuinely cared for me. But sometimes, in life, you make choices that you later wish you hadn’t.”

  

The Milan Move and Another Unexpected Change

  

Morata’s move to AC Milan was meant to mark a new chapter in his career. However, just a few months into his stint at San Siro, things started to unravel. His struggles coincided with Milan’s poor form, which eventually led to the dismissal of head coach Paulo Fonseca.

  

“When you’re going through a difficult period, everything appears darker than it actually is, and you lose the ability to see things clearly,” Morata explained.

  

“Even if you have close friends, family members, or advisors telling you that you’re making a mistake, sometimes you just don’t listen because you feel like you have to make a decision on your own.”

  

The uncertainty surrounding his club future weighed heavily on him during Spain’s Euro 2024 campaign.

  

“The uncertainty over my future was something that bothered me throughout the Euros. Then, the Milan opportunity came up, and at that moment, I felt like I needed a change. Sometimes, as a player, you just want to feel valued and wanted. But looking back, I now realize that Cholo [Diego Simeone] valued and wanted me at Atlético as well.”

  

Despite the disappointing stint in Italy, Morata is now focused on making the most of his time at Galatasaray.

  

  

  

Alvaro Morata. (Photo by Seskim Photo/MB Media/Getty Images)  

  

“We’re very happy here. I’m enjoying my football again, and I’m happy with the national team as well. Next year, if all goes well and Galatasaray win the league, we’ll be in the Champions League.”

  

“Some might see Turkey as a less competitive league compared to the top five European leagues, but at the end of the day, the Champions League is the Champions League, and that’s where every top player wants to be.”

  

Spain Duty Beckons

  

  

  

Alvaro Morata. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)  

  

Despite his club struggles, Morata remains an integral part of Spain’s squad under Luis de la Fuente. He is expected to play a key role in their UEFA Nations League quarterfinal match against the Netherlands in Rotterdam on Thursday, with the return leg set to take place in Valencia on Sunday.

  

Morata has had a rollercoaster career, playing for some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Real Madrid, Juventus, Chelsea, and Atlético Madrid. However, looking back at his decision to leave Atlético in 2024, the Spanish international now wishes he had stayed at the club rather than seeking a fresh start elsewhere.

  

“If I had the chance to make the decision again, I would have stayed at Atlético. But life goes on, and I am fully committed to making the best of my current situation.”