Morata calls Milan his ‘most important challenge’ and thanks Adli for No.7 shirt | OneFootball

New AC Milan striker Alvaro Morata has said that joining the Rossoneri is his ‘most important challenge’ yet and had a special word of thanks for new teammate Yacine Adli.

Speaking to Milan TV (via Pianeta Milan), the Spanish striker answered questions on an array of topics about his first week in Milan.

He could be set to get his first Milan minutes when the team takes on Monza in the Silvio Berlusconi Trophy on Tuesday night, and he will then be in line to start the first game of the season against Torino on Saturday evening.

Morata has played for plenty of very big clubs during his career but he seems particularly excited and honoured to be playing for Milan, saying: “It’s the most beautiful and important challenge of my career. In recent days I spoke with Kaka, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and David Beckham who reminded me of the history of this club. I can’t wait to write my name in the history of Milan.”

He has already made his presence known by taking the No.7 shirt from Yacine Adli, but he was quick to thank the Frenchman for allowing him to take it.

“First of all I have to thank Yacine Adli who did a nice thing by letting me have it. It’s my favourite number, I’ve never worn it in a club team for various reasons. Adli made me happy with his gesture.”

Talking about the city of Milan, Morata briefly explained: “Arriving in Milan was very exciting. I know the centre a little.”

He has only recently joined up with the rest of the team because he went all the way with Spain at the 2024 European Championship. On that experience, Morata said: “It was an incredible feeling. It’s a journey that began at 12-13 years old when you wore the jersey of the youth national teams for the first time. You imagine one day winning a cup. This European Championship was a fairytale.”

How is Milanello?

“It’s very beautiful, you can breathe football.”

The choice to come to Milan

“It was all very easy. They just wanted me, no other team had given me so much faith.”

His sporting idol: “Fernando Torres, David Villa and Raul Gonzalez Blanco. But I look up to all the best.”

His first goal for AC Milan: “I’ll dedicate it to my children, it’ll be a wonderful feeling.”

Francesco Camarda: “He has his whole future ahead of him. He has to work, he has to understand a few things. I’m here to help him and give him a hand. Then maybe I’ll be the one to sit on the bench for him. Camarda can be the present and the future of Milan.”

How he imagines the first goal at San Siro: “Ball in behind, the goalkeeper comes out, I go round him and score into an empty net.”