What does Morata’s gesture mean at the Bernabéu?: The player gives clarity

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Real Madrid suffered a 3-1 defeat against AC Milan on Tuesday during Matchday 4 of the 2024-2025 UEFA Champions League group stage, further exacerbating their crisis in both performances and results. This defeat poses a serious threat to their European ambitions as they struggled to keep pace throughout the game after goals came from Malick Thiaw, former Madrid player Álvaro Morata and Tijani Reijnders.

Thanks to Morata’s goal shortly before the final whistle, the Italians went into the half-time break 2-1. After his goal, the Madrid academy player showed two special gestures. First he put his hand over his mouth as if he were wearing a mustache, and then he showed a “V” with his hand. Many wondered what these gestures meant, prompting the player himself to make an explanation.

After the game, Morata was asked who his celebratory gestures were aimed at. He explained that the “V” was a support for Valencia, while the other gesture was dedicated to a friend. “The celebration was for a friend; The most important thing is the situation in Valencia and I hope it gets better because you can’t enjoy a football match in the circumstances that my country is facing,” he said.

“I send a hug to all affected families through DANA and another to everyone who helps with all their hearts. I’m proud to see my teammates stepping in to help and I wish I could be there with them, but we have to move on and support in our own way. I’m proud to be Spanish and to see that everyone helps. I hope the national team can play in Valencia to help as much as possible,” he concluded.

Morata had previously commented on the situation in Paiporta and openly expressed his admiration for the king, while indirectly taking a swipe at Pedro Sánchez without mentioning him by name. “He stands up when others flee. He is the only public servant who is always where he needs to be. I stand with the King,” the striker shared on his Instagram Stories, alongside a photo of Felipe VI offering comfort to those affected by DANA.