Premier League flop Alvaro Morata in Chelsea dig as he hails Atletico Madrid transfer as ‘best thing that happened to me’

ALVARO MORATA has aimed a dig at Chelsea by describing his permanent move to Atletico Madrid as “the best thing that happened to me.” The flop striker, 26, completed a £58million switch to the Spanish capital earlier this month after a six-month loan spell under Diego Simeone. Morata was surplus to requirements under new Chelsea […]

ALVARO MORATA has aimed a dig at Chelsea by describing his permanent move to Atletico Madrid as “the best thing that happened to me.”

The flop striker, 26, completed a £58million switch to the Spanish capital earlier this month after a six-month loan spell under Diego Simeone.

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Morata was surplus to requirements under new Chelsea boss Frank Lampard.

And the Blues were able to recoup the fee they handed to Real Madrid in 2017 despite Morata scoring just 24 goals in 72 appearances at Stamford Bridge.

The Spain international came under fire from supporters and pundits during his time in the Premier League, with his commitment and mentality questioned after each game.

Morata’s misery came to an end when he secured a loan to the Wanda Metropolitano in January.

And now that the move has been made permanent, the hitman isn’t afraid of emphasising just how happy he is to be shot of English football.

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Morata told EFE: “Atletico are the best thing that could have happened to me.

“It would mean so much to me to win titles with Atleti, even more than anything I’ve won in the past because this is different.

“Big players have left, especially big characters.

“I wish they could still be here, but everyone has their own circumstances and has their own trajectory.

“[New Barcelona star Antoine Griezmann?] He is a top, top player. I don’t need to tell you how big he is.

“He’s been one of the best players that Atleti have had in recent times.”

Morata isn’t the only former Chelsea striker on the move this summer, with Diego Costa linked with a big-money move to ambitious Everton.

Gonzalo Higuain could also be returning to the Premier League in a loan deal with West Ham.

Meanwhile, Chelsea remain in a battle with Bayern Munich to keep hold of Callum Hudson-Odoi.

The Germans have launched a fresh £45m bid but Frank Lampard is confident the young winger will sign a new contract.