Álvaro Morata has opened up about his absence from Spain's 2026 World Cup-winning squad, explaining how he came to terms with Luis de la Fuente's decision to leave him out of the tournament roster. Speaking on the programme "El Larguero" following his move to Leganés, the 33-year-old striker discussed the behind-the-scenes conversation with his manager and his journey toward acceptance.
The former Real Madrid, AC Milan, and Juventus forward was candid about his initial disappointment. "I dearly wished to be at the World Cup," Morata said. "But I travelled to New York as if I were part of the win, because I saw many of the players who began their international careers with me." Rather than dwelling on what might have been, he acknowledged the human element of the situation. "We are all human, and in the end there remains a part of you that hopes for a call-up, hope is always there. I believe I could have contributed to the group and created a good dynamic, but things were easier for the coach in my absence."
Understanding De la Fuente's Decision
Morata revealed that de la Fuente had informed him of the decision before the preliminary squad announcement was made public. Rather than expressing resentment, the striker demonstrated tactical understanding of his manager's reasoning. "Imagine starting the World Cup with everyone asking what I am doing there, it was better to avoid that noise," he explained, showing maturity about the media narrative that might have surrounded his inclusion. This pragmatic approach suggests Morata recognized how his presence could have created distractions during a pivotal tournament held across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The striker praised his teammates' performances, particularly highlighting fellow forwards. "Borja Iglesias and the rest of the strikers deserved to be there too," Morata noted. "Ferran Torres scored the goal I wished I had scored myself, and I was very happy for him." He also paid tribute to midfielder Mikel Oyarzabal's quality, showing no bitterness toward those selected in his place.
Morata shared a lighthearted moment from his conversation with de la Fuente, revealing the coach had promised to "ride on a horse with the trophy in his hand" if Spain won. "He still has time to do that," Morata joked, demonstrating the mutual respect between player and manager.
A New Chapter at Leganés
The Spanish striker's decision to join Leganés in the Segunda División represented a significant career shift. Morata disclosed that he had rejected offers from Champions League clubs to pursue the challenge of securing promotion to La Liga with the Madrid-based outfit. "It has been a long time since I enjoyed myself like this," he revealed. "Scoring 20 or 30 goals would not have changed my life, but achieving promotion to La Liga with this team just might." This statement underscores a veteran player's evolution, prioritizing competitive fulfilment and legacy-building over individual statistics or prestigious club branding.
Spain's World Cup triumph, delivered by teammates alongside whom Morata had lifted Euro 2024, represented a bittersweet moment for the veteran. Yet his maturity in accepting the sporting decision and channeling his energy into a new project demonstrates why he remains a respected figure in Spanish football and beyond.
