Morata criticises Galatasaray as loan ends early

Alvaro Morata says he had “no choice” but to give up part of his salary in order to leave Galatasaray, as the club failed to honour certain commitments.

The 32-year-old Spain captain joined the Turkish Super Lig club on loan from AC Milan in February, with an option to buy for 10m euros (£8.6m), but his contract was mutually terminated earlier this week.

Morata is now on the verge of securing another loan spell, this time with Italian Serie A side Como, who are managed by his former Chelsea team-mate Cesc Fabregas.

After thanking Galatasaray fans on Instagram for their “affection, warmth, and support”, Morata wrote: “Unfortunately, I cannot say the same about my experience with the club.

Morata signed for Milan last summer from Atletico Madrid on a four-year contract but was sent on a year-long loan in February to Galatasaray until January 2026.

The ex-Juventus and Real Madrid striker said he also had to forego other contractual rights he had already earned through his work, adding the figure Galatasaray published in their statement was not accurate.

“For me, in life and in work, there are principles that should never be broken, such as respect for each person’s rights,” added Morata.

“Failing to recognise and compensate what has been earned is, to me, unacceptable and contrary to the values of fairness and professionalism I believe in.

“I know these matters are often not spoken about openly, but I believe it is right to give the fans the real explanation of what happened.”