Spanish striker Álvaro Morata has completed a transfer to CD Leganés after deciding to return home to Madrid to play in La Liga Hypermotion. The former Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, Chelsea, and Juventus forward signed for the Spanish second division club after ending his spell at Italian side Como.
Speaking at his official presentation at the Estadio Municipal de Butarque, the striker broke down in tears as he explained that signing for Leganés felt like joining his first club after several complicated years both personally and professionally.
Morata was accompanied at the press conference by his wife Alice Campello, their four children, and his father. An emotional Morata recalled that one of the first football matches he ever attended with his father was an Atlético Madrid fixture against Leganés at Butarque, where he served as a ball boy, adding that his journey in football had effectively started on that very pitch.
Departure from Como and project choice
Before making the move to the Madrid outskirts, Morata revealed that he held discussions with Cesc Fàbregas, his manager at Italian club Como. After recognizing that he was no longer an integral part of Fàbregas's plans, the forward began searching for alternative opportunities across Europe.
Leganés official Andrés Pardo praised the forward's bravery during the presentation, emphasizing that Morata chose the Spanish club despite having multiple other offers available to him. Morata explained that the leadership at Leganés was convincing because they demonstrated genuine belief in him, while he shared full confidence in their sporting project.
The Madrid-born forward stressed that he needed to find himself again as a footballer and prioritized joining a club where he felt valued and welcomed. He noted that achieving success in football is not solely about playing in the UEFA Champions League or lifting major trophies, but also about returning to his hometown and feeling comfortable in his environment.
Promotion targets and physical fitness
Morata, who will wear the number 21 jersey for Leganés, described La Liga Hypermotion as a highly demanding league. He stated that Leganés must be considered among the primary candidates to secure promotion back to La Liga EA Sports and committed to helping the squad achieve that objective in every way possible.
Looking beyond the current campaign, Morata expressed a strong desire to remain at Leganés past the end of the season. He stated that he was fully prepared and ready for the upcoming fundamental match, noting that every single point in the league table matters. He added that he will give his life on the pitch to help the team meet its goals.
Addressing questions about his fitness, Morata declared that he arrives in top physical condition despite the unfair labels that have been attached to him throughout his career. However, he admitted to avoiding incoming messages since the transfer was finalized and expressed apprehension about potentially facing unpleasant situations from rival fans in certain stadiums during the season.
Club background and fan reception
Morata's move to Leganés sees him take the reverse path of former Cameroonian striker Samuel Eto'o, who began his European career at Leganés on loan from Real Madrid before achieving global acclaim. Having previously won domestic titles and played at the highest level in Spain, England, and Italy, Morata now brings extensive international experience to the second-tier outfit.
Following the conclusion of the press conference, Morata put on his new Leganés kit and stepped out onto the pitch at the Ontime Butarque stadium. He was greeted warmly by a large crowd of supporters who gathered in the stands to welcome their high-profile summer signing.
