Morata: ‘Milan vs Liverpool could be a Champions League Final’ | OneFootball

Alvaro Morata ‘can’t wait’ to meet Liverpool and insists that the match between the Reds and the Rossoneri at San Siro could be ‘a Champions League Final.’

Milan host Liverpool at San Siro in the opening 2024-25 Champions League match on Tuesday.

“I’ve been dreaming of games like this since I joined the club. Milan-Liverpool could be a Final, but it’s only the first match. We want to make our fans proud. We can’t wait to play this match,” Morata said at a press conference on Tuesday, as quoted by Milannews.

Morata was introduced as a substitute in the second half against Venezia on Sunday after recovering from an injury but is expected to start against Liverpool tomorrow.

“The Champions League is different from everything else,” he said.

“It’s true that we needed to win to prepare for this match, but in the Champions League, it doesn’t count how you get to a game. There are the best teams in Europe. Everyone knows how important the Champions League is.”

Morata has scored three goals in five matches against the Reds, including one that helped his former club, Atletico Madrid, to qualify for the 2019-20 Champions League quarter-finals.

“The goal against Liverpool is a nice memory, but it’s in the past,” said the Spaniard.

“A new challenge begins tomorrow. If you play for Milan, you must dream. You look at the patch, and you see the No.7 [Champions League victories], so you must fight for the people. This team has so much quality and can beat anyone.”

Morata: ‘Milan vs Liverpool could be a Champions League Final’

Morata’s Spain also beat England in his latest international appearance in June, when La Roja won the Euros.

“Hopefully, it will finish in the same way. It’s not a coincidence. These are nice things that prove I am at the highest level,” noted the striker.

“Tomorrow it’s a big game for us. I don’t think it will understand the dimension of the team because it’s only the first match.”

Morata has played in the Premier League for Chelsea, so what’s the biggest difference between the English and the Italian leagues?

“The biggest difference is physical, but Italian football has changed a lot,” he admitted.

“There are high-level teams, and it’s more similar to the Premier League now.

“It’s a pleasure to be back to Italy. We still haven’t proven how strong we are. There are some excellent players like Theo and Loftus-Cheek,” continued Morata.

“We must understand that we are all great players, not only good prospects. We have many players who would play in the best teams in Europe.

“I am feeling well physically. I wouldn’t be available if I couldn’t give my all. I’ve worked a lot to improve my shape. The team has helped me, too, by sending some staff members to Spain for my personal situation, and I thank them for this.”

Milan will face Inter in the derby della Madonnina on Sunday, which is only five days after their game against Liverpool.

“The coach needs no advice as he is the one who knows football more,” concluded Morata.

“Victories bring victories, but we don’t think about Inter now; otherwise, we’ll only burn energy. We only think about tomorrow.”