AS Roma vs Chelsea - Alvaro Morata 'very happy with everything in London'

Posted Tuesday, October 31, 2017 by PA

Alvaro Morata has insisted he is committed to Chelsea and is happy in London.

Morata was signed for B£58million from Real Madrid in the summer as a direct replacement for Diego Costa, the striker who forced through a return to Atletico after never settling in three years at Chelsea.

The 25-year-old Spain striker, who had a spell at Juventus, claimed comments reported in an interview with Gazetta dello Sport on Monday in which he suggested he was not content in the English capital were "a problem of understanding".

Speaking at a press conference at Stadio Olimpico ahead of Tuesday's Champions League tie with Roma, Morata said: "If Chelsea propose me 10 years (contract), probably I sign it.

"I'm very happy in this club, I'm very happy with the city, I'm very happy with everything in London.

"I really like London. And if I do well and improve, probably I can stay here more than five years.

"But I need to score many goals, otherwise Chelsea will buy another player. It's normal."

Chelsea squandered a two-goal lead before fighting back to draw 3-3 two weeks ago at home to Roma.

A win for Antonio Conte's side here would secure their place in the knockout stages with two matches to spare.

Morata will be key to the contest. He is adamant he is now 100 per cent fit after a hamstring injury, but has not scored in four appearances since his return.

The most recent of his seven Chelsea goals came in the win at Atletico, while he played down the statistic which states he has not scored against Roma.

"Probably in recent games I was not in the best physical form, but now I'm better," he added.

"I haven't played many games - I think five against Roma - but completely only one or two."

Blues boss Conte will assess N'Golo Kante's readiness to return from a hamstring problem after the midfielder's return to training.

The Blues boss says he is thinking only of Roma and not looking ahead to Sunday's Premier League contest with Jose Mourinho's Manchester United.

Conte said: "We have to give all of ourselves to get a good result, which will be important (on Tuesday)."

Radja Nainggolan, meanwhile, insists he had no doubts about remaining at Roma amid summer interest from Chelsea.

Nainggolan, who has impressed in three and a half years with the Giallorossi, was linked with a move to Stamford Bridge which never materialised.

Nainggolan said: "Well I made my choice. I never hesitated or thought for a minute (about leaving), so it doesn't matter if it's Chelsea or anyone else.

"It's always nice to play against a top team, and like all professionals I know how to prepare for them.

"I'm ready to give my best and hope to play well."

Defender Bruno Peres and forward Patrik Schick are out, while the fitness of forward Gregoire Defrel and defender Kostas Manolas is to be assessed.