Alvaro Morata has revealed that he gave Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone his word over three years ago that he would sign for the club he has supported since he was a child.
It means that the Spanish international was secretly betrothed to Atleti not only during his time at Juventus and for his entire spell in west London with Chelsea, but also for a season spent at the Bernabeu at Real Madrid.
Morata joined Atletico on loan last month in search of some form after a soul-destroying spell at Stamford Bridge.
And while he is yet to find the net for the club he supported as a child, Morata undoubtedly feels at home back in Madrid and in an interview with Spanish sports daily AS revealed how long his contact with Simeone has been ongoing.
"If I tell you the truth, the first contact was three-and-a-half years ago," he said.
"I gave him my word that as soon as I was able to, I would come.
"It wasn't possible before," Morata added, referring to the £60m deal that took him to Chelsea.
"But it wasn't because of me. I gave him my word, and now I've come here it has been the time when I've talked with Simeone the least!"
Morata will make his Champions League debut for Atletico in tonight's knockout clash with Juventus at the Wanda Metropolitano.
While the forward was asked about showing respect to the Italian champions, his former club, should he open his account for Atletico, Morata was more focused on what it would mean to score his first goal in the famous red-and-white stripes.
"My first goal with Atletico I couldn't not celebrate!
"My first goal in an Atletico shirt would mean a lot for me."
