Chelsea Striker Álvaro Morata Opens Up About Seeking Psychologist's Help After Difficult Season
Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata has opened up about seeing a psychologist to deal with the “pressure and emotions” he experienced last season.
The 26-year-old Spaniard arrived from Real Madrid as part of a club record £58 million deal last summer, but struggled to make a significant impact at Stamford Bridge, attracting constant criticism from fans and pundits alike.
He was suffering off the pitch too, with the death of a friend and pregnancy struggles with his wife negatively affecting his mental health.
Now, in an interview with Spanish newspaper ABC, the striker has revealed that he had regular sessions with a psychologist to help him with his struggles.
"I think it's very important to have confidence," Morata said. "Things go well for you. In this period of my life I have realised that you always have to train your mind. It's not only about being physically prepared. To withstand the pressure, you also have to work, it is the most important thing in our field.
"I had never thought about training the mind, really. When a player hears the word psychologist at the first, you are taken aback, but I realised that I needed help.
"At first, I was a bit embarrassed to talk to the psychologist and tell him all my problems and with the help of everyone I have managed to recover happiness in football.
"The idea of going to the psychologist, for anyone who has any problem, is associated with something negative. I think everyone sees it that way when it's really a very important thing. Now I am happier than ever at Chelsea and happier than ever in the national team even if it is not my best moment on the pitch.
"I've scored goals again, but it's not when I'm playing my best football. I will continue going to the psychologist, it helps me to manage the pressure and emotions."
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