Emotional Alvaro Morata fights back tears and drops retirement hint after his penalty miss costs Spain Nations League crown
Alvaro Morata has said he has a big decision to make on his international future, acknowledging that retiring from Spain duty is ‘possible.’
On Sunday night, the Spanish captain was on the bench during the UEFA Nations League final defeat to Portugal.
He came on during extra-time as a penalty shoot-out loomed, only to miss a decisive spot-kick during Spain’s loss.
Potential Arsenal signing Martin Zubimendi opened the scoring for Spain before Nuno Mendes equalised for Portugal.
Mikel Oyarzabal retook the lead for Spain ahead once again ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo levelling things up ahead of the shoot-out.
Ahead of a pair of 2026 World Cup qualifiers in September, Morata addressed his future.
Alvaro Morata missed a crucial penalty as Portugal beat the Euro 2024 champions on Sunday
Spain lost Sunday’s Nations League final after a penalty shoot-out defeat to Portugal
Luis de la Fuente made Morata his captain as soon as he took the Spain job in February 2023
‘I feel bad for my teammates, but it’s part of life,’ said Morata to to Spanish outlet AS.
‘The penalty? I didn’t take it well, I could have done better, but there’s nothing I can do now,” said Morata to AS.
‘I’m leaving angry. I wanted to cry, even though I didn’t.
‘My children were in the stands, and in life, you have to learn.
‘Retirement from the national team? It’s possible, I won’t be back in September.’
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente reiterated his confidence in Morata despite opting to start him on the bench for the crucial final.
‘He’s a leader and especially important for us, regardless of whether he plays more or less,’ said de la Fuente to Marca.
‘He’s the best leader.
‘He has lots of football left in him and will have some very important moments with us.
‘He contributes a lot behind the scenes, away from the spotlight.
‘I attach great importance to that.’
When de la Fuente took over as Spain boss in February 2023, he immediately gave the captain’s armband to Morata.
The former Chelsea striker lifted the Euro 2024 trophy after Spain defeated England in the final.
Morata spent last season on loan at Galatasaray and the 32-year-old has spent time at Real Madrid, AC Milan, Juventus and Atletico Madrid during his career.
