Alvaro Morata joins AC Milan as Nigeria’s Samuel Chukwueze prepares for revamped attack

Alvaro Morata has signed a four-year contract with AC Milan, with an option for an additional year, keeping him at the club until at least 2028, Soccernet.ng reports.

The experienced striker will wear the No. 7 shirt after Milan activated his €15 million (£12.64m/$16.3m) release clause from Atletico Madrid.

Morata will join forces with Nigerian winger Samuel Chukwueze in Milan’s attack.

Chukwueze, who joined from Villarreal last year for €20 million, took some time to adapt but ended the season with three goals and three assists. He had previously scored 37 goals and made 31 assists in 207 appearances for Villarreal.

Chukwueze played alongside Olivier Giroud, Christian Pulisic, and Rafael Leao in Milan’s last season. With Giroud now moved to the MLS, Chukwueze hopes Morata’s arrival will boost his performance.

The Super Eagles winger has been working hard in Milan’s training under new coach Paulo Fonseca.

At 31, Morata brings vast experience. He recently captained Spain to victory in the European Championship and the Nations League in 2023.

He scored 21 goals in all competitions for Atletico last season, although his form dipped in the latter half, with only two goals after January.

Morata’s departure from Atletico was influenced by his dissatisfaction with his treatment by Spanish media and fans.

In an interview with Sky Italia, he said, “When you are in a place that for different reasons you can’t give your 100 per cent, it is best for everyone this [to leave] option.”

Morata cited the trust shown by Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the squad, and the coach as reasons for joining Milan.

“I know I still have the best years of my career ahead of me and I want to go to this big club that is Milan,” he said.

Morata’s move is also personal, as his wife, Alice Campello, is Italian.

He previously played for Juventus, scoring 35 goals in 130 Serie A appearances and winning the league title twice, the Coppa Italia three times, and the Italian Super Cup once.

His familiarity with Italian football will be valuable as Milan aims for success domestically and in Europe.

With Olivier Giroud’s departure to LAFC, Morata is expected to play a key role in Milan’s attack.

The team will soon head to the United States for pre-season friendlies against Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Barcelona.