Alvaro Morata denies contact with Real Madrid despite looming buy-back clause
Juventus forward Alvaro Morata has once again committed his future to the Italian club, despite suggestions that Real Madrid could activate a buy-back option within the player's contract.
"I am fine where I am and do not think about (joining) another club. There has been no contact with Real Madrid," Morata told La Gazzetta dello Sport, courtesy of ESPNFC.
The 23-year-old moved from Madrid to Italy last season, promptly scoring 13 goals for the Old Lady as Juventus won the domestic double.
This campaign hasn't quite continued along the same path for the Spaniard. In addition to playing out of position on the wing, Morata has been dealing with abdominal and calf injuries.
But Morata says he is not thinking about an escape to the Spanish capital.
"The only thing that interests me is to play as much as possible at Juventus and win titles," Morata said. "Whatever is said or not said is not my problem."
These quotes contradict the words of super agent Ernesto Bronzetti, who is an intermediary for Madrid president Florentino Perez. In a separate interview with Torino-based newspaper Tuttosport, courtesy of Sky Sports, Bronzetti claims that the La Liga club is working to bring back Morata. It would cost Madrid €35 million to re-sign Morata - €13 million more than the amount Juventus dished out last summer.
Related: Real Madrid president hints at Alvaro Morata's return from Juventus next summer
"Madrid's intention is to bring him back, but whether they do it or not will depend on the will of the player," Bronzetti said. "The outcome will arrive in the months to come."
If the decision is up to Morata, he could simply stay put. Juventus appears determined to hold on to the Spanish international, and could even offer him a new contract worth €3.5-million a year, making him one of the club's highest earners, according to AS.
Right now, however, he's focused on returning to form, not his old club.
"Honestly, up until now I wasn't physically fit. I played with many aches, which is why I wasn't consistent. I couldn't last a whole match," Morata said. "Now physically I feel great and you’ll see that on the pitch, I can assure you.”
Juventus currently sits seventh in the Serie A standings, with a huge fixture against AC Milan looming on Nov. 21.