According to Goal, Spanish striker Alvaro Morata, who transferred to Leganés in the Spanish Second Division this summer, spoke publicly for the first time on the program "El Larguero" about his feelings behind being left out of Spain's 2026 World Cup winning squad . As a key player in Spain's 2024 European Championship victory, he accepted De la Fuente's decision to call him up, admitting that while he had some regrets, he fully understood the coach's choice and was genuinely happy for the national team's victory.
In the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, the Spanish national team won the championship, but Alvaro Morata, who had won the European Championship with the team, was ultimately left out of the squad. Speaking about this disappointment, the 33-year-old Morata was very candid: "I sincerely wanted to participate in this World Cup. After the match, I went to New York to witness the team's victory, because many of the players on the team are my partners who started my national team career with me. I also fantasized about what it would be like if I could participate, but daydreaming is meaningless."
He admitted that he always held onto hope, and was still disappointed even though he was ultimately not selected: "It's human nature, I always had the hope of being called up. I believe I can contribute to the team and create a good team atmosphere, but for the head coach, not taking me will make the team's preparations and the media environment simpler and purer. If I were selected, there would inevitably be a lot of controversy and discussion, and avoiding these noises is a safer choice."
Morata generously praised the performance of Spain's attacking team in this World Cup, and took the initiative to give a thumbs up to his selected teammates: "Iglesias and all the forwards who went on the trip deserve this opportunity. I have always recognized the strength of Oyarzabal and Ferran Torres. Ferran's goal was one that I had longed to score. I am truly happy for him and for the whole team."
During the interview, he also shared some humorous anecdotes about his private life with head coach De la Fuente. He revealed that he learned of the team's exclusion before the preliminary list was announced, and at the time expressed his understanding of the coach's decision and wished the team all the best in their quest for the championship. He also jokingly remarked that the coach had "broken his promise": De la Fuente had previously promised to celebrate by riding a horse and holding the championship trophy high if the team won, and the coach still has time to fulfill that promise.
Finally, Morata explained his decision to reject a Champions League team and join Leganés in the Spanish Second Division. He stated frankly that after many years, he rediscovered the pure joy of football. Compared to scoring twenty or thirty goals in a season with a top club and helping the team achieve promotion and compete in La Liga , this was a more meaningful and transformative achievement for him. Stripped of the glamour of a prestigious club, he now enjoys the pure growth of the team and the essence of football.
