Como head coach Cesc Fabregas has downplayed reports suggesting a close friendship between himself and new signing Alvaro Morata, Afrosport reports.
Morata joined the club this summer on a season-long loan move from AC Milan, with the agreement including a €10 million obligation to buy.
The transfer process, however, was delayed slightly, as the striker had to negotiate an early release from his contract with Galatasaray, who were reportedly demanding €8 million in compensation.
Reports, meanwhile, indicated that the deal was largely driven by the personal relationship between the 32-year-old forward and Fabregas, with the two having previously shared a dressing room at Chelsea — winning the FA Cup in 2017-18 — and played together for Spain.
However, Fabregas has refuted those claims. While expressing his satisfaction at bringing in the former Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid striker, he insisted that the two are not close and have not been in contact since their days at Stamford Bridge.
Speaking to reporters, the 38-year-old stated: “Everyone is available, but I need to talk to Alvaro; we have a plan in place. He trained first with Galatasaray, then less, doing his workouts at home. I can’t give any details about him.”
On his friendship with Morata, Fabregas replied, “Are we friends? No. When he left Chelsea, we didn’t talk much; we just exchanged pleasantries. Even though he was my friend then, he’s not today. We have a great relationship; we shared two years at Chelsea and with the national team.
“His great humility and dedication to work brings a lot to his teammates. I’m not worried about our relationship. He wants to do well. He left more than 60% of his salary in Turkey, that says a lot about his mentality and what he’s going to do.”
Morata brings a wealth of experience to Como, who finished 10th in the league last season — their first campaign in Serie A after a 21-year absence.
The Spain international has 230 goals in 630 appearances in his club career and had earned 86 caps for La Roja, netting 37 goals. He scored seven goals in 16 appearances for Galatasaray last season, helping them to a league and Cup double.
Como are set to begin their 2025–26 season at home against Sudtirol in the first round of the Coppa Italia this Saturday. They will then host Lazio on 24 August in their Serie A opener.
