Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata says Jose Mourinho is "now my rival" despite making his professional debut under the manager in 2010.

Then at Real Madrid, Morata was thwon on by Mourinho as a late substitute and went on to win the Spanish league title in his second season with the Real senior side.

The Spain international has since won a second La Liga title, two Serie A crowns and two Champions League medals as well as four domestic cup competitions across spells in Madrid and with Juventus.

His career reached a crossroads in the summer when he opted to join Chelsea despite several offers from Premier League clubs, including the chance of a reunion with Mourinho at Manchester United.

"The important thing is I’m part of Chelsea and I’m very happy with this and now it’s time to fight for the blue shirt," Morata told the Metro.

On Sunday United travel to Stamford Bridge to face the Premier League champions and Morata is relishing the opportunity to face his former boss.

"I have a good relationship with Jose," said Morata. "He was my first coach in professional football and he gave me the chance to be a professional. He made me the first contract."

"Sometimes we send messages but not speaking about football, asking if everything’s OK and some jokes.

"It’s good and I appreciate these things because he was my first coach but now he’s – not my enemy – my rival."

Chelsea are nine points behind Premier League leaders Manchester City and can scarcely afford to drop points against United in their fight to defend the league title.

The Blues have won just three of their last seven matches in all competitions, but Morata is determined to bounce back from Tuesday's Champions League defeat against Roma.

The striker believes the visit of United presents Chelsea with a great chance to get their hunt for silverware back on track.

He added: "It’s wonderful playing with Mourinho and winning with Mourinho now it’s time to try to win with Antonio and it’s a wonderful opportunity."

