Morata criticises Galatasaray as loan ends early

Alvaro Morata scored six goals in 12 appearances for Galatasaray

Alvaro Morata says he had "no choice" but to give up part of his salary in order to leave Galatasaray, as the club failed to honour certain commitments.

The 32-year-old Spain captain joined the Turkish Super Lig side on loan from AC Milan in February, with an option to buy for £8.6m, but his contract was mutually terminated earlier this week.

Morata has now joined Italian Serie A side Como, who are managed by his former Chelsea team-mate Cesc Fabregas, on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy.

In a statement, Galatasaray said Milan will pay a termination fee of £4.3m, while Morata has waived his "receivables" worth £562,982.

After thanking Galatasaray fans on Instagram for their "affection, warmth, and support", Morata wrote: "Unfortunately, I cannot say the same about my experience with the club.

"There were moments when the given word and the respect for fundamental values were not upheld."

Morata signed for Milan last summer from Atletico Madrid on a four-year contract but was sent on a year-long loan in February to Galatasaray until January 2026.

The former Juventus and Real Madrid striker said he also had to forego other contractual rights he had earned through his work, adding the figure Galatasaray published in their statement was not accurate.

"For me, in life and in work, there are principles that should never be broken, such as respect for each person's rights," added Morata.

"Failing to recognise and compensate what has been earned is, to me, unacceptable and contrary to the values of fairness and professionalism I believe in.

"I know these matters are often not spoken about openly, but I believe it is right to give the fans the real explanation of what happened."

BBC Sport has asked Galatasaray for comment.

Como finished 10th in Serie A last season in what was their first top-flight campaign for 21 years.

"Playing against them, I was able to appreciate the team and the project - you can see that there is a lot of ambition," Morata added

"I promise the fans and the club that I will give 200% in every training session and every match. I can't wait to wear this shirt."