Morata: Atletico Madrid have to thank Griezmann for what he has done Atletico Madrid Discussed his attacking partner's imminent exit

When Alvaro Morata joined Atletico Madrid on loan in January, he was expecting to play with Antoine Griezmann in attack but that partnership looks set to last just six months.

The Frenchman announced that he will depart the club this week, but the Spaniard understands the decision of his teammate.

"I'm good and the squad too," he said, speaking at a presentation for 'More than Players', a programme designed to encourage entrepreneurship.

"It's a decision that we have to respect, we have to thank him for what he's done for this club, which is a lot, and we respect his decision.

"We wish he could have stayed, but he's taken that decision.

"We are finishing the season, but we have the same excitement for next season.

"Change is always difficult, but we are working to make a competitive team and fight for it all next season.

"We are very motivated in the dressing room for the future, it's very important."

Speaking about Griezmann in more detail, he was asked about where he may go next and how the team found out.

"I have no idea," he responded to questions over Griezmann's next move.

"Everyone found out in their own way, it depends on the relationship we have with him.

"It doesn't matter how, the situation is what it is.

"We have to accept it and keep going."

There were also questions about his own future amid speculation that Chelsea may look to bring him back to Stamford Bridge as they face a transfer ban.

"I don't know, there are contracts," he said.

"My focus is to get on the pitch and play.

"What is clear is what I want, I want to be here.

"I'm going to do all I can to keep playing here, I did all I could to come and I will do all I can to stay.

"I'm not thinking about going back anywhere, only being here.

"I'm happy here and I want to be here for the years I have left at the top level.

"It's clear that I'm on loan, but things are advancing well.

"If things go well it will come to a good solution.

"There are things that players have to not get involved in, there are negotiations and contracts.

"I did all I could to come to Atletico and I will do it to stay."

Finally, the centre-forward was also quizzed on his former teammate Eden Hazard, who may join him in Madrid but playing for his former club Real Madrid.

"He's one of the best players in the world and could fit in well in any team, the team he wants," Morata said.

"He's a top player and top person, he'd fit in at any team,"

The More than Players Foundation is an organisation set up to help people involved in sport who are considering being involved in start-ups or their own businesses, using technology to give them the tools they need alongside Microsoft's Global Sports Innovation Center.