Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata has revealed he still “messages” former manager Jose Mourinho.
The Manchester United manager was in pursuit of Morata during the summer but opted to sign Romelu Lukaku, while the former Real Madrid striker went to Chelsea and the duo will face off on Sunday as United travel to Stamford Bridge.
Morata says he maintains a good relationship with the man who handed him his professional debut while at Real Madrid in 2010 and the pair still “send messages” to each other.
“We speak, not only this summer. I have a good relationship with Jose,” Morata said. “He was my first coach in professional football and he gave me the chance to be a professional.
“He made me the first contact. Sometimes we send messages, not speaking about football, asking if everything’s OK and sending some jokes.
“It’s good and I appreciate these things because he was my first coach but now he’s my rival. We need to win. It’s wonderful playing with Mourinho and winning with Mourinho now it’s time to try to win with Antonio (Conte) and it’s a wonderful opportunity.”
A host of Europe’s top clubs were interested in the services of Morata and the Spain international has confirmed he “had the chance” to sign for other Premier League sides, including United.
However, the 24-year-old said there was “no chance” he would end up anywhere other than Chelsea, insisting he is “happy” with his decision to join the reigning Premier League champions.
“I had the chance to go to Manchester United and other teams in the Premier League,” said Morata.
“The important thing is I’m part of Chelsea and I’m very happy with this. Now it’s time to fight for the blue shirt. I want to play well and win with this shirt.
“For sure, Antonio (Conte), Michael (Emenalo), Marina (Granovskaia), all of them called me this summer and there was no chance I wasn’t coming to Chelsea. They demonstrated to me that they really wanted me.”
