Atletico Madrid News
Alvaro Morata talks Griezmann, Simeone, Vinicius, failed Barcelona move: “Xavi called me”
With the international break underway, footballers have a relaxed schedule giving them time to do interviews and discuss about various things football.
Atletico Madrid striker Alvaro Morata appeared on Cadena SER’s El Larguero recently where he discussed several topics including his future at the club and the failed transfer to Barcelona during the January transfer window, apart from various other subjects.
The ex-Real Madrid striker was strongly linked with a transfer to Barcelona in January earlier this year, even though he was on loan at Juventus at the time. And Morata has confirmed that he did hold talks with the Catalans’ manager, Xavi, but the Bianconeri blocked the move.
“There was interest from Barça, yes, Xavi called me, I spoke to him. We talked about football, a little of everything and the truth is that it is to be appreciated, that a coach and a former player like Xavi takes you into account, it makes one feel good,” Morata said.
“In the end last winter I had 4 -5 very very good options, but Allegri told me no. He wanted me to accompany Vlahovic,“ the striker added.
Morata also talked about his Atletico Madrid teammate Antoine Griezmann and his difficult game-time situation at the club, saying:
“He is admirable. Always smiling. And it must be difficult to always be with a smile, helping, and that is not always seen. It is something to be proud of.”
“I would take it worse… he is generous on his part in the face of a team that does not show it. I don’t know how he really is, but you see him train and you see him committed and motivated. He is an example for the other players,” Morata further added.
There had been speculations that Morata’s relationship with manager Diego Simeone had been strained. Responding to those rumours, the striker said:
“I have never had a problem with Simeone, in fact, sometimes we joke. My relationship with him is phenomenal. He’s my boss and it’s a relationship of respect. The rumours of a bad relationship are things that I don’t know where they came from.”
Morata also had a few words to say about the recent unsavoury incidents at the Civitas Metropolitano involving the racist abuse against Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr this past weekend.
“It is unacceptable that episodes like this happen, that a 21-year-old boy has to listen to all the things he has to listen to on a football field. That is unacceptable. It should not be allowed and unfortunately, it happens,” he said.
When asked if he wishes to end his career at Atletico, Morata said: “Well, whatever I say… meme! (laughs) the truth is that yes, I am at home and I would love to win titles here.”
Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid, Chelsea contact PSG midfielder’s agent with player set to leave
Atletico Madrid and Chelsea are among the clubs that have made contact with the agent of PSG midfielder Leandro Paredes, who is set to leave this summer.
This claim comes from journalist Martin Arevalo on ESPN, who states that apart from Atletico and Chelsea, an unnamed third club have also established contact with the Argentine international’s representative.
Paredes has been on PSG’s books since January 2019, when he arrived from Zenit St. Petersburg. For a large part of his time at the French capital outfit, the midfielder had been a regular starter in the side.
However, last summer saw Paredes get shipped out on loan to Juventus. He has played 33 times for the Bianconeri this season with a return of one goal and assist apiece.
The Serie A heavyweights, who were recently hit with a 10-point deduction, have the option to purchase him permanently. But, as per the report, his relationship with manager Massimiliano Allegri is not good and a return to PSG is on the cards.
And considering that he is not in the plans back at Parc des Princes either, a permanent departure away seems set in stone for Paredes.
As such, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, and an unnamed club have shown interest in acquiring his services by making contact with the 28-year-old World Cup winner’s agent.
With Koke entering the final phase of his career and Geoffrey Kondogbia expected to leave at the end of the season, the Rojiblancos could do with reinforcements in the centre of the park.
Paredes, who has plenty of experience at the highest level and is known for his aggressive mentality, can be a good fit into Diego Simeone’s setup at the Civitas Metropolitano.
But, with Chelsea also in the picture, things could get tricky for the Colchoneros. After all, Atleti are operating on tight finances and are looking for bargain and free transfer signings in the market with the likes of Marcus Thuram, Jordi Alba, and Raphael Guerreiro emerging as targets.
