ALVARO MORATA SPARKS A STORM IN SPAIN CAMP ON THE EVE OF EURO SEMI-FINAL AS THEIR CAPTAIN THREATENS TO QUIT AFTER THE TOURNAMENT OVER 'NONSENSE' CRITICS - AND HINTS HIS FAMILY WANT TO LEAVE THE COUNTRY TOO

• The striker believes it is 'easiest' for him to play abroad due to poor treatment 
• He has been jeered several times while playing for the Spanish national team 
• LISTEN to It's All Kicking Off! EUROS DAILY: Gareth Southgate has gone a bit rogue... and the mask has slipped 

Alvaro Morata has revealed he is likely to quit playing for Spain after Euro 2024 and hit out at 'nonsense' criticism directed at him during his international career.

Morata, who has captained his country this summer and started all five of their games at the tournament in Germany, previously admitted it would be 'easiest' for him to move abroad because of the poor treatment toward him and his family.

He also floated the idea of leaving Atletico Madrid just a week on from seemingly pledging his future to the club, raging that 'in Spain, there's no respect for anyone'.

Ahead of his likely next appearance against France in the first semi-final tomorrow, an explosive interview with El Mundo has sparked uproar in his homeland.

'It could be [my last tournament with Spain],' Morata told the outlet. 'It's a possibility that I don't want to talk about too much, but it's probable.'

The striker, who played for Real Madrid, Juventus and Chelsea before joining Atletico on loan in 2019, has endured a tense relationship with Spain supporters. 

He had been whistled during Spain's campaign at Euro 2020 and notably jeered throughout a friendly against Brazil at the Bernabeu in March.

'In Spain it's hard for me to be happy,' Morata said. 'Without doubt [I'm happier outside of Spain]. I've said it many times. Above all, because people respect me. 

'In Spain there's no respect for anything or anyone.'

Morata, 31, will be available for selection against France after incorrect reports claimed he had been shown a yellow card during the 2-1 victory against Germany. 

'The other day, people said I was crying [on the touchline] because I'd been given a yellow card,' a furious Morata added. 'What nonsense is that! I was crying because my country, with me as captain, had got into the semifinals. 

'I could never criticise someone who was crying because of that. But I'm criticised, when I'd cut my hand off to win the Euros.'

He went on to say: 'I try to enjoy this tournament, which could be my last games with the national team, and in the future, what will be, will be.

'Maybe one day they'll even miss me. Each day, the moment for leaving is closer, that's why I enjoy it, that's why I'll cry at whatever comes next, for good or bad.'

Despite looking to put rumours surrounding a potential Atletico departure this summer to rest, Morata again raised the prospect of a transfer.

'It isn't nice,' he said. 'That's why I still think, although I'm focused on the Euros, that I don't know if it's best for me to stay in Spain... I've said I'm dying to win trophies with Atlético, but then you have to weigh up if it's worth it or not.'

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2024-07-08T10:54:23Z dg43tfdfdgfd