Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente said it “hurt his soul” to hear the national team’s fans boo captain Alvaro Morata.
Morata, 31, was jeered by fans as he was substituted in the 81st minute of Tuesday night’s friendly clash against Brazil.
The Atletico Madrid striker endured a difficult evening and failed to find a net in the 3-3 draw, which was played at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu stadium.
“It hurts my soul that in my country, a national team player is whistled by the fans,” De la Fuente said after the game, referencing the reception of Morata, formerly of Real Madrid. “It makes me feel ashamed.”
The Spain coach continued that the crowd at the Bernabeu had other wise been “tremendous” but he felt shame at the whistling towards Morata.
“The vast majority of the crowd supported us, but this was shameful. It is everyone’s job to educate the support of the national team.”
De la Fuente believed the whistling of the striker was due to his club affiliation and it was the job of everyone to ensure that support around the Spain national team was unified.
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Morata spent seven years at Real Madrid across two separate spells. He joined Atletico Madrid from Chelsea in 2019.
“We must leave aside the colours of clubs,” said the Spain boss. “That is a job for the media too, and we all have to try to work together to solve this.”
Morata had handed the national team’s captaincy for this match to Manchester City midfielder Rodri, whose grandfather died earlier this week.
Rodri subsequently scored twice from the penalty spot, while Dani Olmo was also on target for Spain. However, Brazil came from 2-0 and 3-1 down to rescue a draw with goals from Rodrygo Goes, Endrick, and a stoppage time penalty from Lucas Paqueta.
“I’m very grateful for the gesture from Alvaro,” Rodri said. “It indicates what a great person he is. I dedicate my two goals to my grandfather who passed away.”
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(Alberto Gardin/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
