Former Chelsea flop Alvaro Morata had an hilarious reaction to his strike for Atletico Madrid despite seemingly having sustained a serious injury.
The Spaniard was named in the Atleti side as they returned to LaLiga action against Elche on Thursday evening. Manchester United transfer target Joao Felix had given Diego Simeone's men the lead shortly after half-time after nodding in from close range.
It had already been a dramatic affair at the Wanda Metropolitano before the opening goal with Gonzalo Verdu being sent off for Elche just before the break. Atleti defender Mario Hermoso then suffered the same fate just before Felix netted the opener.
Morata all but made sure of the three points in the 74th minute with a solo effort that came in somewhat bizarre circumstances. The former Chelsea man was released down the right flank and cut inside two defenders before firing in a powerful effort that struck Elche man Omar Mascarell to then loop into the back of the net.
Morata was left hurt by the goal itself having been on the end of a heavy collision as he lined up the shot. The striker was then left sprawled on the floor in pain as celebrations got underway.
It took a few seconds for the Spanish striker to realise he had scored. He then gingerly sat up before leaping to his feet to take the acclaim of his teammates.
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The striker then leapt into the embrace of strike partner Antoine Griezmann before being joined by on-loan Spurs defender Sergio Reguilon. Morata's goal was his sixth of the campaign in all competitions for Atleti this term and allowed him to carry on the excellent form he found during the World Cup in Qatar.
The ex-Real Madrid and Juventus star netted three goals at the tournament having scored in each group game despite having only started once before the knockout stages. However, he was powerless to stop Spain’s eventual elimination at the hands of surprise package Morocco in the round of 16.
Despite his good form, Morata apparently faces a difficult decision regarding his immediate future. Erik ten Hag's Man Utd have been linked with a swoop for his services as the Dutchman attempts to find a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo following his explosive exit from Old Trafford.
It has been reported that the Red Devils will only make a move though should Morata be made available for a loan deal. He currently has just a year-and-a-half remaining on the lucrative contract he signed with the Spanish club following his move from Chelsea.
Speaking about the Spanish forward last week, Atleti manager Simeone said: "Morata made a lot of efforts, he had a lot of moments. He is a role model for our forwards. Alvaro is needed by the team and we want him to be strong."
