Marc Cucurella Reveals Why He Could Not Turn Down Real Madrid Transfer
Marc Cucurella Reveals Why He Could Not Turn Down Real Madrid Transfer Marc Cucurella has explained why he immediately accepted Real Madrid’s approach, despite his strong Barcelona connections and other options available to him. The Spain international completed a surprise move from Chelsea to Real Madrid in June, signing a six-year contract with the Spanish giants until June 2032. The transfer was reportedly worth up to £51.8 million, including add-ons. For Cucurella, however, the decision was much simpler than the transfer negotiations suggested. The 27-year-old defender revealed that when Real Madrid made their offer, he did not need much time to consider it. Cucurella explained that several possibilities were available to him, but the opportunity to represent Real Madrid was simply too significant to reject. “When Real Madrid comes calling, it is very difficult to say no,” the left-back said. He added that the transfer moved incredibly quickly, with the entire deal being completed in roughly a day and a half. “It was much better, much faster, no headaches,” Cucurella explained. José Mourinho, who had just taken over as Real Madrid manager, was also instrumental in convincing Cucurella to make the move. The Portuguese manager personally contacted the defender, expressing his confidence in him and outlining his plans for the new-look Madrid side. The conversation reportedly helped accelerate the deal, with Cucurella becoming one of Mourinho’s priority targets for the left-back position.
Cucurella later revealed that Mourinho’s call gave him further confidence that moving to Madrid was the right decision.
The transfer has attracted additional attention because Cucurella came through Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy. The defender has previously spoken fondly about his time at the Catalan club and had been linked with a possible return to Barcelona. His decision to join their biggest rivals therefore generated strong reactions among some Barcelona supporters. However, Cucurella insisted that his decision was not motivated by disrespect towards his former club.
He said he remains grateful to Barcelona for helping develop him as a footballer but believes every stage of a player’s career comes with different decisions. Cucurella also admitted that the move represented a major opportunity for both himself and his family.
He described playing for Real Madrid as an honour that very few footballers get to experience. The defender said he had no doubts once the opportunity arrived and that his family also understood the significance of the move. For Cucurella, the prospect of joining one of the world’s most successful clubs outweighed any emotional connection to Barcelona. The transfer brings an end to Cucurella’s four-year spell at Chelsea. He joined the Premier League club from Brighton in 2022 and went on to make 163 appearances, winning the Conference League and Club World Cup during his time in London.
His departure came despite Chelsea preparing for a new era under incoming manager Xabi Alonso. Real Madrid’s interest ultimately proved too strong, with the Spanish club securing his signature in a deal worth up to €60 million. Cucurella now faces the biggest challenge of his career as he begins life at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The defender will be expected to compete for a regular starting position while helping Mourinho’s side challenge for domestic and European honours. For Cucurella, the decision was ultimately straightforward: when Real Madrid came calling, he saw an opportunity too big to turn down. As he continues to settle into his new surroundings, the former Barcelona academy graduate will now look to write a new chapter of his career in Madrid.
