CHELSEA record signing Alvaro Morata joined new teammates Cesar Azpilicueta, Thibaut Courtois and Lewis Baker for a game of Fifa 17 as they met fans in Singapore.
The Blues arrived in the city-state earlier this week to play Bayern Munich and Inter Milan in pre-season friendlies.
And the Spaniard, bought from Real Madrid for £65million, also impressed the crowd with his skills during a Q&A session.
Morata teamed up with international mate – and newly appointed Chelsea vice-captain – Cesar Azpilicueta to play Baker and Courtois at the popular video game.
It was the Spanish duo who emerged winners in a tight encounter.
Morata, who flicked on a corner to assist Victor Moses during his debut cameo, also revealed a former Blues striker was his inspiration growing up.
The 24-year-old revealed that Fernando Torres – who scored 45 goals for the Blues and won the FA Cup, Europa League and Champions League in west London – was his hero as a youth.
Madrid-born Morata started his youth career as a 13-year-old with Atletico Madrid in 2005, when Torres was captain of the Rojiblanco.
LATEST CHELSEA NEWS
Alvaro Morata factfile
- Alvaro Morata, aged 24, was born in Madrid, Spain, in October 1992.
- He spent two years at Atletico Madrid’s academy before moving on to Getafe and then Real in 2008, still a junior player.
- Morata made his debut for Real in August 2010, scoring against Castilla.
- He joined Juventus in July 2014 for £17.5million but Real retained an option to buy him back.
- After scoring 27 goals in 93 games in Italy, Real bought Morata back for £26million in 2016.
- Last season he managed 20 goals for Real, his best return.
- He made his international debut for Spain in 2014 and has nine goals from 20 games.
- Morata is a complete modern striker, who is strong on the ball, has energy and pace, and at 6ft 2in is also lethal in the air.
Unsurprisingly, academy star Baker, 22, named a Chelsea great as his hero.
Baker said: “Without a doubt, Frank Lampard.
“I was lucky enough to have the chance to train with him and he was always on hand to give advice. A class act on and off the pitch.”
Courtois named Real Madrid legend Iker Casillas, and Azpilicueta surprisingly named Barcelona legend Luis Figo.
Antonio Conte’s team next play Inter Milan on Saturday lunchtime, before returning to London ahead of the new season.
They have no other formal friendlies lined up, but the Italian is expected to put his squad through their paces with matches taking place behind closed doors.
Leave a comment