Real Madrid legend Michel has claimed that Alvaro Morata is paying the price for leaving the Los Blancos. The Spain International became Chelsea’s transfer record breaker after the club shelled out £53 million to secure his signature last summer, although he has struggled to live up to the billing that was expected by the Stamford Bridge outfit

Morata found the back of the net just 11 times all season and as forced to play second fiddle to Olivier Giroud after the Frenchman arrived from Arsenal in the January transfer window. He was also used sparingly in the final of the FA Cup against Manchester United.

The major blow came when he was not included Spain’s squad to play in Russia 2018, a situation which Michel, a six time champion with Real Madrid has attributed to his departure from Real Madrid last summer.

“I don’t know why he left, if it was because he wanted to play more, if it was because he wanted a better contract and because he wanted to play in the English league,” he told Marca.

“At the end of the day he is in a similar situation as to when he was at Real Madrid, he will know personally why he took the decision.

“I’m one of those who think that if you’re at Real Madrid the best thing is to not leave but I don’t know what his thinking is.”

Michel added: “He’s playing less at Chelsea, Giroud is playing more.

“The most informed one on this is the coach and he knows exactly why he took one decision of another. He’s a good player but any of them are too.”