Alvaro Morata Sends Heartfelt Message to Jose Mourinho, Rules Out Reunion at Roma

• Alvaro Morata will not be reuniting with Jose Mourinho at AS Roma
• The Atletico Madrid striker has ruled out a move to the Italian side, saying he is happy in Madrid
• Morata paid tribute to Mourinho, who gave him his Real Madrid debut in 2010

Atletico Madrid striker Alvaro Morata has ruled out a move to AS Roma but sent a lovely message to manager Jose Mourinho, his former coach, and Roma's current boss.

The Italian side have been looking for a striker to temporarily replace Englishman Tammy Abraham, who sustained an ACL injury in June and is not expected to return to action until 2024.

The 30-year-old Spaniard has been Roma's biggest target this summer, but it seems a deal between the two clubs may not materialize. Morata and Atletico have been on their pre-season tour of Mexico, and the striker's name is still hitting the back pages.

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Speaking in Mexico, Morata ruled out a move to The Italian side, saying he's happy with the team at the moment. However, he said the transfer market is unpredictable, throwing his future in the air.

“I’m working and I’m very happy to be in Mexico with the team. I want to improve, I’m doing it in this pre-season. But we players don’t control the transfer market.I’m here to enjoy Mexico, to work with the team. At the moment they’re [Roma] not an option, they’re not in my head,” via Football Espana.

The former Real Madrid striker lauded Roma boss Mourinho for giving him a chance.

“He’s a great coach, he was the one who gave me the opportunity to play my first professional match. I’m very grateful to him and I wish him the best.”

Mourinho, then Real Madrid manager, gave him his debut when he was 18 years in December 2010.

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Morata's future unclear

The striker has been a journeyman in Europe, playing for the likes of Juventus and Chelsea. He has failed to live up to the hype, especially at Chelsea, who bought him from Real Madrid in 2017 for €66 million.

He has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia and Inter Milan. The Nerazzurri have reportedly offered €15 million, but the 2021 La Liga champions reportedly want €21 million. He was also linked with a return to Juventus.

If he ends up leaving, Atletico will have to go into the market to find a replacement since he is the only natural senior striker in the team. He has one year left in his contract.

He has scored 195 goals in 541 appearances in his club career, per Transfermarkt.

Atletico fans destroy Felix's plaque

Sports Brief earlier reported on Atletico fans vandalizing Felix's plaque after the Portuguese made controversial comments.

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A plaque bearing his name at Civitas Metropolitano was destroyed by angry supporters as a repercussion for his statement.

Each Atletico Madrid player receives a plaque from Atletico Madrid once they reach 100 games for the La Liga giants, with Joao Felix among the top stars with one from the club.