Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata 'motivated' by club record fee and sets 20-goal target

Spain international is tasked with leading Chelsea's attack as the club attempt to defend the Premier Leaugue title.

Alvaro Morata has said he will use the expectations that come with being Chelsea's record signing as motivation. Tony O'Brien / Reuters

Alvaro Morata has said he is aware of the pressure that comes with being Chelsea's record signing but the Spanish striker insists it will only serve to motivate him even further to succeed.

Chelsea broke their transfer record to sign Morata from Real Madrid last month in a deal worth a reported £70 million (Dh332.4m), with the Spain international recruited to replace Diego Costa, who is set to leave the club this summer.

There are big expectations on Morata who is tasked with leading Chelsea's attack as the London club attempt to defend the Premier League title they won in emphatic fashion last season. Costa was integral to that success, scoring 20 goals.

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Morata's start to life as a Chelsea player has not had the perfect start, missing a penalty in the Community Shield defeat to Arsenal on Sunday. However, he has said he is ready to step up to the responsibility and prove himself worthy of the price tag.

"I admit it's a very big amount, but I have the personality to play quietly and go my way," Morata, 24, told Marca.

"I have had only two pre-season games, 15 competitive minutes and a missed penalty ... and they're already killing me, so I know what's ahead.

"It is the price that must be paid for such a large transfer. And it's something that motivates me and makes me work harder every day. I know twice as many people are paying attention to me."

Morata also outlined his goal target for his debut season, although team success remains his priority.

"I want to score more than 20," he said. "It's my job, but it is not an obsession for me ahead of winning titles for the team. For example, when I was with Juventus I did not score more than 20 goals.

"But I won all the titles except for the Champions League. I have scored 15 or 16 goals and won titles. And other strikes have scored 35 and not won anything."