Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has hinted that Blues forward Alvaro Morata will be staying at the club amid links with former club Juventus.
Morata moved to Stamford Bridge last summer for around £60m from Real Madrid, and after a promising start in west London – where he scored six goals in his first six games in all competitions – the form of Chelsea’s No.9 has slowly declined as the season has progressed.
With 11 goals in 29 Premier League matches – and 15 in 45 across all competitions – the Spaniard has struggled after initially hitting the ground running as some Chelsea fans believe his time in England may end in disappointment after just one season.
However, despite recent rumours of a mooted return back to former club Juventus, Chelsea boss Conte has insisted that Morata is staying at the club as he still considers the marksman an important part of the team.
“Morata is Chelsea’s player, he must be ready to play tomorrow and next season. I think the situation is very clear,” he told reporters (via Goal).
Pressed on links with Juventus, Conte added: “I don’t like to comment on speculation. Now it is right for everyone to be focused on the present and finish this season in the best possible way.
“I think this season was a difficult season, but not only for Morata. Your [the press] focus is only Morata, but I would like it if your focus was for the whole team. Not only one player.”
Chelsea have two remaining fixtures before the Premier League season concludes, and with the club sitting just two points off the top four, Wednesday night’s match against Huddersfield and Sunday’s match against Newcastle will be seen as must-win games.
The Blues will then take on former coach Jose Mourinho and Manchester United in the FA Cup final at Wembley on 19 May.
