Alvaro Morata is delighted to have completed his move to Chelsea, having signed a five-year contract with the Premier League champions after joining from Real Madrid.
Having arrived in London on Thursday to undergo his medical, the Spaniard completed the formalities of the deal before the Blues finally unveiled him on Friday evening as he now prepares to fly out to Singapore to meet up with his new teammates on their pre-season tour.
According to an earlier report, Morata completed a move which could eventually be worth £70m, making him the west London club record signing. With the chance to work with Antonio Conte, the former Juventus man was delighted to finally be with the EPL champions.
He told the club website: “I am so happy to be here. It’s an incredible emotion to be part of this big club.
“I am looking to work hard, score as many goals as I can and to win as many trophies as possible.”
The 24-year-old will be expected to replace his compatriot Diego Costa in the Chelsea line-up with the Spaniard heavily tipped to leave Stamford Bridge this summer after troubles with Conte dating back to January.
However, it remains to be seen what shirt number Chelsea’s fourth summer signing wears, as there has been a concerned reaction from supporters over him potentially wearing the No. 9 shirt.
Going through the list of previous marquee signings who have worn the shirt but failed to deliver in recent times, Fernando Torres, Radamel Falcao, Mateja Kezman and Franco Di Santo have all struggled to live up to the expectations of being the main goalscorer during their respective spells with Chelsea.
In turn, there was a nervous reaction from some supporters who hope that the ‘cursed’ No. 9 shirt number won’t lead the Spaniard facing similar problems next season and beyond.
https://twitter.com/raramaim/status/888051765458894853
Not the number 9. A Spanish striker wearing number 9 hasn't exactly worked out before.
— Emily~Louise♡ (@EmzzyLou20) July 20, 2017
Noooooooo!! Just take Diego's when he's left. The 9 shirt is cursed I swear..
— Adam. (@Serinawestiee) July 20, 2017
Let's hope he won't have a "Torres disease" by giving him #9
— Yahya Mo (@YahyaElferjani) July 20, 2017