Alvaro Morata hints at quitting Spain duty after his missed penalty cost La Roja in the Nations League final against Portugal.
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Spain lost shootout to Portugal in Nations League finalCaptain’s penalty was the only missMorata admits his international future is uncertainFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
La Roja captain Morata missed the decisive penalty in the Nations League final defeat to Portugal, leaving him “upset” and hinting that it could be his last game for the national team. After a 2-2 draw, the tie went to a penalty shootout and the only miss came from Morata, whose effort was saved by Portugal's Diogo Costa.
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After a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss in the final, the striker opened up about the emotional toll of the night and the uncertainty surrounding his international future the 32-year-old didn’t shy away from addressing the possibility of stepping away from La Roja, saying: "I'm upset because we all did a great job, and I feel bad for all my teammates, but that's part of football and life."
Pressed about whether this could have been his final appearance for the national team, he said: "Nothing is certain, it depends on many things. Right now, I'm just thinking about my team-mates and what happened today. Things need to be thought through calmly, but of course, it's a possibility that I won't be here in September." He continued, "I didn't cry on the grass, although I certainly wanted to, but my family, my children, were there."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Morata, who made his 86th appearance for the national team against Portugal, has been a key figure as he led them to Euro 2024 glory. However, his recent benching and growing pressure may be pushing him towards international retirement.
gettyWHAT NEXT FOR MORATA & SPAIN?
Morata may announce a decision before September’s World Cup qualifiers. Spain must also consider grooming a new leader in case he decides to end his international career, with Lamine Yamal among the standout young stars rising in his place.
