Morata 'very happy' with decision to join Chelsea, play alongside Hazard

If there were any doubts over Alvaro Morata’s ability to integrate himself at Chelsea, they were cast aside over the last two matches as the 24-year-old scored his first Premier League hat-trick against Stoke City, and his first Champions League goal in blue away to Atletico Madrid.

Such has been the impact Morata has made for Antonio Conte since joining the club for a hefty £58-million fee during the summer. The Spanish international has quickly become a fan favourite at Stamford Bridge and as such, he does not regret making the move out of Real Madrid.

“I came to Chelsea because one club and one coach believed in me,” Morata said, as quoted by Sky Sports’ Michael Kelleher. “I’m very happy.”

Related – More than an heir: Morata proving to be Chelsea’s most complete striker

Morata came into a team needing a centre-forward as Diego Costa pushed for his eventual exit back to Atletico Madrid. Costa and fellow former Blues striker Fernando Torres could only watch, however, as Morata headed home an equalising effort off a pinpoint cross by Eden Hazard. The two combined masterfully to spearhead Chelsea’s attack at the Wanda Metropolitano.

It was the first time he and Hazard played together for a significant period of time and Morata was left more than impressed with his teammate.

“It’s not difficult playing with this kind of player,” Morata said of Hazard. “He’s one of the three best players in the world. It’s easy for me playing with him.”

One must wonder how high Morata’s numbers will rise if it is indeed easy to play alongside Hazard; he has done quite well in the Belgian winger’s absence as Hazard worked to recover from a broken ankle. Morata has seven goals in as many matches for the Blues, as well as a pair of Premier League assists.