News Focus
- Marc Cucurella completes shock £52m switch from Chelsea to Real Madrid in just 36 hours
- Spain left-back reveals new boss José Mourinho called him personally to secure the deal
- Cucurella defends decision to join Los Blancos despite growing up in Barcelona’s youth academy
- Transfer finalized while defender trains with Spain in Chattanooga ahead of World Cup
Marc Cucurella has admitted that leaving Chelsea surprised him, but rejecting Real Madrid proved impossible. The Spain international says the £52 million transfer to the Bernabéu took only one and a half days to complete.
Speaking from Spain’s training base in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the 27-year-old explained how the move unfolded rapidly. “Everything happened very fast,” he said. “My representatives called me early one morning. They told me both clubs had agreed terms and I needed to make a decision immediately.”
The defender spent four successful years at Stamford Bridge and insists he felt content there. However, the opportunity to join one of Europe’s most successful clubs changed his plans completely. “A few months ago, I would have said I expected to stay,” he admitted. “But sometimes football presents unexpected chapters. This challenge is bigger.”
Cucurella revealed that José Mourinho, who recently returned to manage Real Madrid, played a key role in convincing him. The Portuguese coach telephoned the player directly. “We spoke briefly because I wanted to concentrate on national team duty,” Cucurella explained. “He remembered specific details from when I played against his Benfica team in the Champions League. He said I could strengthen the squad significantly. This gave me huge confidence.”
The Catalan-born full-back expects criticism from Barcelona supporters because he joined their bitter rivals. He entered Barcelona’s famous academy aged 14 and grew up in the region. “People must understand that when Real Madrid want you, saying no is extremely difficult,” he stated. “This is a massive step in my career.”
The quick completion of the deal pleased Cucurella as it allows him to focus entirely on the upcoming World Cup. “Normally these transfers take weeks with many complications,” he noted. “The best outcome was Madrid acting so decisively. Nothing leaked to the media until everything was signed. Now I can give 100% to Spain.”
Personal happiness also influenced his choice. His wife Claudia’s entire family supports Real Madrid. “Her relatives always followed Los Blancos,” Cucurella smiled. “Who could imagine her husband would actually play for them? She supported me through difficult periods at Chelsea. Now we can celebrate this together.”
The player acknowledges the pressure that comes with wearing the famous white shirt. “Expectations are enormous at this club,” he said. “But I am ready to fight for trophies. My journey has not been easy. Ending it at Real Madrid feels like the perfect conclusion.”