Morata ‘impressed’ by Yamal recognition from Inter, but Ancelotti decision ‘strange’ | OneFootball

Milan-owned striker Alvaro Morata is ‘impressed’ by the recognition Lamine Yamal received from Inter players after an epic Champions League semifinal, but admits Carlo Ancelotti’s decision to take charge of the Brazil national team was ‘strange.’

Morata gave an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, discussing his time at Milan and his relationships with Igli Tare and Massimiliano Allegri.

However, with his national team, Spain, still involved in the Nations League semifinals, the experienced forward also discussed one of the players of the season, his compatriot Yamal.

“He’s unbelievable, he’s like that. Super chill, always joking and laughing, but when he steps onto the pitch, he transforms and gives everything,” Morata said.

Morata impressed by what Inter players did after meeting Yamal

MILAN, ITALY – MAY 06: Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona is consoled by Marcus Thuram of FC Internazionale after the final whistle of the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final Second Leg match between FC Internazionale Milano and FC Barcelona at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 06, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

“Nobody can stop him. I’ve never seen anything like it, ever. I was really impressed by the recognition from Inter players after the Champions League semifinals. We’re talking about top-level, experienced players.”

Inter and Italy star Alessandro Bastoni was among those praising Yamal for his performance in the Champions League semifinals, which the Nerazzurri won 7-6 on aggregate.

Yamal finished the season with 18 goals and 25 assists in 55 Barcelona matches in 2024-25.

“Journalists and pundits sit in front of the TV just to see what he’ll do and what his limits are,” continued Morata.

“It’s incredible. He’s only 17 and has just signed a contract that runs until 2031, ending when he’ll be 23. Twenty-three!”

Could he win the 2025 Ballon d’Or despite his age? Morata certainly thinks so.

“I’d love for Lamine to win it, just as I did last year, when I hoped it’d go to Rodri, Carvajal, or Fabian Ruiz,” Morata said.

“It’s a matter of pride and identity. Honestly, I don’t think there’s any player right now who can make the difference like Yamal.”

Morata ‘not thrilled’ by Ancelotti joining Brazil

epa12137461 Italian Carlo Ancelotti attends a press conference where he was presented as new head coach of men’s Brazilian national soccer team in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 26 May 2025. Ancelotti announced his first squad list for Brazil’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay. EPA-EFE/Andre Coelho

The World Cup will take place next year, and the qualifying process is currently underway. Italy will make their debut on June 6 against Norway, while Brazil have recently appointed Ancelotti as their new coach.

“It’s strange because you’d imagine him on the Italian bench before going to Brazil, but it makes sense,” admitted Morata.

“One of the greatest coaches in history with one of the greatest national teams in history. Honestly, I’m not thrilled; he’s going to make Brazil a very tough opponent at the World Cup.”

Morata is on loan at Galatasaray until December 31, 2025, but he’s unsure he’ll return to Milan in 2026.

A former Juventus striker, Morata has scored 40 goals in 146 Serie A appearances with the Old Lady and Milan.

He’s the Spain national team captain and has scored 37 goals in 84 appearances with La Roja, winning the Euros last summer.

The Spain international has scored seven goals and provided three assists in 16 appearances with Galatasaray since joining the club in the 2025 January transfer window.