According to Goal, Spanish striker Morata, who transferred to Segunda División side Leganés this summer, spoke publicly for the first time about his mindset regarding his exclusion from Spain's 2026 World Cup squad during the program "El Larguero". A hero of Spain's 2024 European Championship victory, he calmly accepted De la Fuente's selection decision, admitting that while he had regrets, he fully understood the coach's choice and was genuinely happy for the national team's World Cup triumph.

At the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, the Spanish national team won the championship, but Morata, who had won the European Championship with the team, was ultimately not selected for the squad. Speaking about this disappointment, the 33-year-old was very candid: "I deeply desired to participate in this World Cup from the bottom of my heart. After the final, I specifically traveled to New York to witness the team's victory, because many players in the squad started their national team careers around the same time as me. I imagined what it would have been like to be part of it, but dwelling on it is pointless."

He admitted that he had always harbored hope, and even after not being selected, he felt a sense of regret: "It's human nature—I always held out hope of being called up. I believe I could have contributed to the team and created a good atmosphere, but for the head coach, leaving me out made the team's preparation and the public narrative simpler and cleaner. If I had been selected, there would inevitably have been external controversy and debate, and avoiding those distractions was the more pragmatic choice."

Morata generously praised Spain's attacking performance at the World Cup and actively commended his teammates who were selected: "Iglesias and all the forwards who played deserved their opportunity. I have always respected the abilities of Oyarzabal and Ferran Torres. The goal Ferran scored was something I had desperately wanted to score, and I am genuinely happy for him and the whole team."

In the interview, he also humorously revealed a private anecdote with head coach De la Fuente. He disclosed that he learned of his non-selection before the provisional squad announcement and expressed understanding of the coach's decision, wishing the team success in winning the championship. He then teased the head coach for "breaking his promise": De la Fuente had previously promised that if Spain won the championship, he would ride a horse through the streets holding the trophy aloft in celebration. The coach, Morata joked, still has time to make good on that promise.

Finally, Morata explained his decision to reject Champions League offers and join Segunda División Leganés. He stated frankly that after many years, he has rediscovered the pure joy of football. Compared to scoring twenty or thirty goals per season for a top club, helping the team earn promotion and compete in La Liga felt like a more meaningful achievement that could redefine his career experience. Stepping away from the prestige of a top club, he now savors genuine team development and the true essence of football.

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