Álvaro Morata Bids Emotional Farewell to Galatasaray Amid Management Criticism

Spanish forward Álvaro Morata has officially parted ways with Turkish club Galatasaray, delivering a heartfelt message on social media that expressed gratitude toward fans and the city of Istanbul, yet harbored sharp criticism for the club's management. In his extensive statement published on Tuesday, Morata emphasized the warmth and affection he received from supporters since joining the team on loan in February, during which he made a notable impact by scoring seven goals in 16 matches. "Dear Gala fans and people of Turkey, I want to sincerely thank you for the affection, warmth, and support you have shown me. You have made me feel welcome since day one, and your support has been among the most extraordinary I have experienced in my career," Morata commenced, reflecting on the positive aspects of his time in Istanbul. However, things took a sour turn as Morata recounted his disappointment with the club's management. "Unfortunately, I cannot say the same about my experience with the club. There were moments when the word given and the respect for fundamental values were not upheld. Until the end, the commitments made were not honored to the point that I had no choice but to resign a part of my salary and other contractual rights that I had already earned through my work. The published figure is not correct," he lamented. Morata underscored the importance of principles in both personal and professional life, stating, "For me, in life and in work, there are principles that should never be broken, such as respect for the rights of each person. Not recognizing and compensating what has been earned seems unacceptable to me and contrary to the values of justice and professionalism that I believe in." Acknowledging the often quiet nature of such disputes, Morata felt it necessary to address his reasons publicly, explaining, "You and the city of Istanbul will always be in my heart, and I wish you all the best today and always. A special thanks also to the coach and his fantastic coaching staff—I am sure they will continue writing the story of Galatasaray." In addition to expressing gratitude for his teammates, Morata’s post garnered attention from various quarters, including a notable response from Turkish chef Nusret Gökçe, famously known as Salt Bae. The culinary icon praised Morata, saying, "Turkey is always your second home. You are a wonderful person with exemplary class." As Morata closes this chapter of his career, his farewell serves not only as a tribute to the fans and city he cherished but also as a candid reminder of the complexities that often underpin professional sports relationships. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2