Morata granted an interview to Cadena SER, where he spoke about his decision to join CD Leganés, the Spanish national team, and his absence from the World Cup. This article is the first part of the exclusive interview.

How do you feel after joining CD Leganés?

Very happy. Ultimately, I think this is a fantastic project, and the club and owners are very committed to it. The whole project seems very promising. Since I signed, many players have shown interest in this club and asked me about the situation here. I didn't expect this transfer to attract so much media attention. I really like how the club operates now, and I like the staff here as well as the atmosphere in the stadium.

Did you join CD Leganés just because you wanted to play in Madrid?

Of course not. This was a decision I made based on a very promising project. I like this project and believe they will do things very well. The club's organization in every aspect has surprised me greatly, and I'm surrounded by excellent professionals.

How did this transfer initially come about?

I had several options at that time, including the United States, Mexico, and some other countries. Then one day, I remember my agent Juanma told me he had spoken with CD Leganés.

I always listen to what people have to say, out of respect. Besides, CD Leganés is a very good club, so they had to present me with a sufficiently good project. Later, I spoke with president Andrés. Our first call lasted about 45 minutes, and we both felt time flew by. I think they probably didn't expect me to agree so quickly.

Did you agree immediately during that call?

Yes, during that call, I told them I was willing to come. I feel I can help them both on the pitch and in the dressing room. I believe that in our profession, people usually judge you by what they see on the field, but it's actually much more than that.

For example, at Como, I felt my importance was much greater than what outsiders said. Because a team needs someone who cares about what happens in the dressing room, someone who doesn't just think about himself. I always think about how to make my teammates better, and I believe that's something good.

Is your goal at CD Leganés to be promoted to La Liga?

The goal is to win one match at a time. If you win two matches, you could go up; if you lose two, you could drop quickly.

We're all full of anticipation, and everyone likes the coach a lot. He knows exactly when to be 100% focused on work and when to create a good atmosphere so everyone gets along well. But the Segunda División season is really long.

What does it feel like for a player like you to take the pitch wearing the CD Leganés shirt?

When I got home, I realized it had been a long time since I enjoyed playing football this much. I also told Alice and my parents about it. Of course, one thing still falls short: it would have been even better if we had gotten two more points, but I really enjoyed the atmosphere of the match.

The last few years have been difficult for me, but now I'm happy, and I think everyone can see it. I even enjoyed the trip to the Canary Islands. A few years ago, a trip like that would have seemed much more of a hassle. Now, it's about enjoying these everyday things.

Why didn't you enjoy these daily routines before?

I suppose it's because, in the end, you gradually get used to everything and stop feeling it so intensely. You get used to being called up for the national team, you get used to flying on private jets. But now I'm happy to experience these things again.

I feel this is a period in my career where I've received the most affection from everyone. To be honest, when I decided to play in Segunda División, this was something that worried me a bit. However, I have great respect for all my teammates who play in Segunda División and fight for promotion. There are also some teams with genuinely long histories here.

Many people might be surprised that a player who has won almost everything is willing to come here, so people are grateful to you too, right?

When you put on the CD Leganés shirt, everything you've done before means nothing. The other day, during the match, I felt like it was the first day of my career. I have to get to the training ground soon, and I really want to go right now.

The other day in Las Palmas, I was in my room and couldn't even take a nap. That hasn't happened to me many times—maybe before playing a Champions League final or a European Championship final.

This version of Morata now seems completely unfazed by how others perceive you. Why this change?

No, I don't think it's a change. I simply realized I can't change my own story.

Before choosing CD Leganés, I received an invitation from a coach with whom I have a good relationship, whose team could also compete in European competitions. But even if I went there and scored 20 or 30 goals, it wouldn't change my life. However, if I can get promoted to La Liga with this team, it could really make a difference. This is a completely different challenge.

Those who like me will always like me; those who don't won't, even if I win the European Golden Boot.

Yes, I turned down some projects that could have taken me to the Champions League for CD Leganés. But for me, my "Champions League" is making a decision I consider very brave. I don't want people to think I came here just because I wanted to be close to home. I came here for the project they have, and also because I want to stay. Another thing is that they've already shown me they really want me here.

How was your departure from Como? Was Cesc a very strict coach?

I think the situation at that moment was no longer right for me to stay, plain and simple. But regarding Fàbregas, I have nothing bad to say. He's my friend and helped me a lot.

He's truly excellent. I have no doubt that if he wants to, he can stay at Como because he's fully prepared to coach any top-level club in the world.

I used to know him as a teammate, so sometimes I was skeptical about how he would handle difficult moments.

But in reality, there was no problem. He's a very intelligent person and learned something from each of the great coaches he's worked with.

Related reading:

Morata: Of course, I hope to return to the Spanish national team, but honestly, the chances are very slim now.

Traducido por IA.

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