Football Italia
·27 September 2024
In partnership with
Yahoo sportsFootball Italia
·27 September 2024
Alvaro Morata confessed to an ‘emotional’ celebration with his kids on the Milan touchline, while Theo Hernandez assured he wants to score ‘many more’ goals after matching Paolo Maldini’s record.
The Rossoneri notched up a third consecutive Serie A victory after Venezia and rivals Inter, this time putting three goals past Lecce in a five-minute spell just before half-time.
Morata had opened the scoring with a glancing header, then Theo Hernandez blasted in from a tricky angle before Christian Pulisic bundled in on the rebound from Tammy Abraham’s attempt.
The Spain international’s estranged wife flew in today from Madrid and their four children were sat on the touchline, so he was able to celebrate by rushing over to hug them.
“It was a wonderful moment. They give me strength to go to work every day, because they understand more every day, they become more fans and it was emotional to embrace them on the touchline,” Morata told Sky Sport Italia.
He had been in doubt for this match with an inflammation and went off during the second half, so are there updates on his fitness levels?
“I am fine, I just have a bit of pain. I didn’t have pre-season and missed a lot of training, so naturally it just takes a bit longer and I went off as a precaution.”
The new Milan system seems to be working well since Morata dropped to a deeper trequartista role in support of centre-forward Abraham.
“I’ve known Abraham for many years, we were together at Chelsea too. He is a great player, can give more and we’re getting to understand the tactical movements.”
Morata was showing off a new, radically short hairstyle and his teammate Theo Hernandez joked that it added something to the team.
“I didn’t cut his hair, but it brought good luck. He’s a player who brings a lot to the team and I’m happy he scored,” said the France international.
“We did not do well the first few matches, but we are starting to get into gear now and do what the coach asks.”
Tonight was Theo Hernandez’s 29th goal in the Milan jersey, equalling Paolo Maldini’s record for most prolific defender in the club’s history.
“I didn’t know that, I’m happy to have scored so many goals with this club and hope to score many more in future. I am very happy here, the people love me, so does the team, that’s what matters.”
It is the best way to prepare for the upcoming Champions League trip to German title holders Bayer Leverkusen, as they need to make up for the 3-1 home defeat to Liverpool.