Cucurella Reflects on Rapid Chelsea Exit and Exciting Move to Real Madrid
Marc Cucurella has revealed that his unexpected departure from Chelsea to Real Madrid was completed in just a day and a half, marking a significant shift in his career. The 27-year-old left-back expressed his surprise at leaving Chelsea, where he had been content for four years, stating, "If you had asked me a few months ago, I would probably have told you I didn’t expect to leave Chelsea." Cucurella recounted how he received a call one morning informing him that the two clubs had largely agreed on terms. He stated, "I had no doubts. It is a big step for me, very important in my career." He emphasized the urgency of the transfer, saying, "It all happened in roughly a day and a half," allowing him to focus on the upcoming World Cup. Despite his roots in Catalonia and a history with Barcelona, Cucurella acknowledged the difficulty of turning down Real Madrid: "When Madrid comes for you, it is very difficult to say no." He expressed gratitude for his time at Chelsea, where he aimed to win trophies, but recognized the new challenge ahead. Cucurella also shared insights from his conversation with José Mourinho, Madrid’s head coach, who reassured him of his value to the team. He noted, "Having a manager like Mourinho calling you gives you a lot of confidence." Addressing the backlash from Barcelona fans, he stated, "I have to respect everyone’s opinions," while affirming his belief that this move was the right step for him and his family. He concluded, "Pressure will be high, but when you move to a club like this, what you want is to fight for titles. I am ready for that." His wife, Claudia, a lifelong Madrid supporter, will also share in the joy of this new chapter.
Source: The Guardian Sport - 2026-06-18