AC Milan find new Shevchenko as Morata completes deal to join Rossoneri

AC Milan have confirmed the signing of Alvaro Morata and announced that the Spanish striker will don the iconic Number seven jersey next season, a number previously worn by Rossoneri legend Andriy Shevchenko.

The Serie A giants welcomed Morata in a statement, saying, “AC Milan is proud to announce the signing of Alvaro Borja Morata Martín from Club Atletico de Madrid. Captain of the Spanish national team, with which he recently won the European Championship, Morata has signed with the Rossoneri until 30 June 2028, with an option to extend for an additional year.”

The statement continued, “Born in Madrid on 23 October 1992, Alvaro spent time in the Youth Sectors of Atletico, Getafe, and Real Madrid, before graduating from the latter and making his senior debut with the Blancos in December 2010. Over his career, he has played for Real Madrid, Juventus, Chelsea, and Atletico Madrid, making a total of 506 appearances and scoring 172 goals.

He has won two UEFA Champions League titles, one UEFA Super Cup, one FIFA Club World Cup, two LaLiga titles, two Copa del Rey trophies, one Supercopa de Espana, two Serie A titles, three Coppa Italia, two Italian Supercoppe, and one FA Cup.”

Morata’s connection to Italy goes beyond football. His wife, Alice Campello, is from Venice, and he spent four seasons at Juventus. During his time in Turin, Morata scored 35 goals in 130 Serie A games, winning two Scudetti, three Coppa Italia, and one Super Cup.

Last season, he scored 21 goals in 48 appearances across all competitions with Atletico Madrid, and in the summer, Morata captained Spain to their fourth European Championship victory, where he netted one goal in seven appearances at EURO 2024.

Morata’s move to Milan comes after the Rossoneri paid his €13m release clause to sign him from Atletico Madrid. The Spaniard underwent medical tests in Madrid earlier this week before going on holiday with his family. He is expected to join his new teammates at the beginning of August.

The 31-year-old's experience and proven goal-scoring ability are expected to bring a significant boost to Milan’s attacking options. With his solid bond with Italy and a decorated career, Morata looks set to continue his success in Serie A, aiming to replicate the legendary impact of Andriy Shevchenko, the man whose jersey number the Spaniard will wear at AC Milan.