Juve thank Morata as Real officially activate buy-back clause

Alvaro Morata: Officially makes return to Real Madrid

Alvaro Morata: Officially makes return to Real Madrid

Juventus have wished Alvaro Morata “luck wherever his career takes him” after Real Madrid officially activated a buy-back clause to re-sign their former striker.

The 23-year-old scored 27 goals in 93 appearances for the Old Lady after moving to the Juventus Stadium in 2014.

Morata won two Serie A titles and two Coppa Italia crowns and also reached the Champions League final in 2015, scoring as Juventus lost 3-1 to Barcelona.

A statement on Juventus’ official website read: “All associated with Juventus Football Club would like to wish Alvaro the very best of luck wherever his future may take him and thank him for two truly excellent years of service to the team.”

Reports have for some time linked the Spain striker, who scored three goals at Euro 2016, with an immediate move from Real Madrid to the Premier League.

Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United have all been reportedly interested in Morata, who wrote an open letter published on his official website late last month.

The letter, published on June 24, read: “Hello everyone. It’s not easy for me to write this letter. First of all, I want to thank those who have believed in me, counted on me and treated me kindly so that I could be happy at Juventus and in Turin.”

He added: “I remain marked by this club, its history and all of you.

“Wherever I will go I will always be a Juventus supporter, and I’ll be able to say proudly and out loud that I’ve been part of this club and I’ve been a champion with this shirt.

“Once again, thanks everyone for letting me be part of this family. With love, Alvaro.”