Alvaro Morata’s Journey Through Mental Health
Alvaro Morata, the Spanish striker currently playing for AC Milan, has publicly shared that he contemplated feigning an injury to avoid participating in Euro 2024. This admission comes from his latest documentary, titled Morata: They Don’t Know Who I Am, which sheds light on the mental health challenges he faced throughout his career.
Facing Criticism and Mental Exhaustion
Morata, who has experienced significant criticism for key missed opportunities, described feelings of depression and mental exhaustion following a painful moment during Atletico Madrid’s Champions League exit against Borussia Dortmund in April 2024.
In the documentary, which premiered on Movistar Plus+ on June 17, Morata candidly recounts the toll that the harsh scrutiny has taken on him. He reveals troubling physical symptoms he experienced, noting:
“Your legs hurt. Your chest closes up. You can’t breathe. I was afraid of going to sleep and not waking up.”
Specifically, he recalls struggling to focus during the match after missing a critical chance, leading him to feel like he had squandered Atletico’s opportunity to reach the Champions League final.
A Support Network and an Emotional Journey
The film documents Morata’s challenging journey, featuring insights from his wife, Alice Campello, along with friends and mental health professionals. His difficulties worsened during his tenure at Chelsea (2017-2019) and reached a climax after the Dortmund loss, where self-destructive thoughts led him to consider withdrawing from the European championship altogether.
To address these feelings, Morata sought counsel from Spain’s team doctor, Oscar Celada, who facilitated a conversation with legendary former player Andres Iniesta. Iniesta, who has faced his own battles with depression, encouraged Morata to use the Euro as an opportunity for positive contribution rather than retreat. Spain’s coach, Luis de la Fuente, also emphasized the critical role Morata played in the team’s success, bolstering his motivation to participate.
The documentary captures the essence of Morata’s struggles and triumphs throughout the tournament, revealing how he found solace in golf with teammates like Mikel Oyarzabal and Alex Remiro during the event. His psychiatrist, Pilar de Castro-Manglano, discusses Morata’s ongoing healing process, comparing it to recovering from a severe injury.
Euro 2024 and Its Aftermath
While Morata scored in Spain’s victory against Croatia, he continued to face criticism from both fans and pundits, making him question the value of representing the national team amidst harsh public scrutiny. He poignantly remarked:
“Is it worth playing for Spain if everywhere I go… there are unpleasant incidents, with people insulting you and mocking you?”
After an emotional Euro campaign culminating in a victory over England, where he described the aftermath of the win as one of the happiest moments of his career, Morata announced his decision to leave Atletico for Milan. He cited a desire to prevent another mental health crisis as the driving force behind this decision.
Despite a brief separation from his wife during the summer tournament, Morata’s commitment to his national team remains intact, though he has since faced challenges in subsequent matches, including a missed penalty in a pivotal Nations League final against Portugal.
