According to Goal, Morata, the Spanish striker who transferred to Leganes in Spain's Segunda División this summer, discussed for the first time on the "El Larguero" program his thoughts and feelings about being excluded from Spain's 2026 World Cup squad. A veteran of Spain's 2024 European Championship triumph, he candidly accepted de la Fuente's selection decision, acknowledging that while he regrets the exclusion, he fully understands the coach's choice and is genuinely happy about his national team's championship success.

At the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Spain's national team won the tournament, but Morata, who had won the European Championship alongside the team, ultimately was not selected for the squad. Speaking about this disappointment, the 33-year-old was straightforward: "I genuinely and sincerely wanted to participate in this World Cup. After the tournament, I specifically went to New York to watch the team's overall victory, because many players on the team started their national team careers with me. I also imagined what it would feel like if I could play, but such fantasies are pointless."

He acknowledged that he always held hope, even though he ultimately wasn't selected: "It's human nature—I secretly held onto hope of being called up. I was confident I could contribute to the team and create a good team atmosphere, but for the head coach, leaving me out would make the team's preparations and the public opinion environment simpler and cleaner. If I had been selected, there would certainly be a lot of controversy and debate, and avoiding this distraction was the wiser choice."

Morata graciously praised Spain's attacking line's performance at this World Cup, actively complimenting his selected teammates: "Iglesias and all the forwards who played deserved this opportunity. I've always acknowledged the abilities of Oyarzabal and Ferran Torres. The goal Ferran scored is one I would have dearly wanted to score, and I'm truly happy for him and the whole team."

During the interview, he also jokingly shared a personal anecdote with coach de la Fuente. He revealed that he learned of his exclusion before the initial squad was announced, and at that moment, he expressed his understanding of the coach's decision and wished the team well in winning the championship. He also teased the coach about "breaking his promise": de la Fuente had previously promised that if the team won the championship, he would ride a horse and wave the trophy as a celebration, and the coach still has time to fulfill this promise.

Finally, Morata explained his decision to turn down Champions League clubs and choose to join Leganes in Spain's Segunda División. He stated candidly that after all these years, he has rediscovered the pure joy of football. Compared to scoring twenty or thirty goals in a season for a top-tier club, helping his team earn promotion and compete in La Liga is a more meaningful achievement that can transform his career experience. After stepping away from the luxuries of top clubs, he now enjoys the team's growth and the essence of football much more.

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