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Cucurella on Real Madrid Move: 'Very Difficult to Say No' to Mourinho Call

Marc Cucurella has opened up about his rapid £52m transfer from Chelsea to Real Madrid, revealing he didn't expect to leave Stamford Bridge. The Spanish defender admitted a phone call with returning Real Madrid manager José Mourinho was a significant factor in his swift decision.

  • Marc Cucurella completed a £52m move from Chelsea to Real Madrid in a process that took roughly a day and a half.
  • The 27-year-old left-back initially did not anticipate leaving Chelsea, where he had spent four years.
  • Cucurella spoke with Real Madrid's returning head coach, José Mourinho, who expressed eagerness to work with him.
  • He defended his decision against backlash from Barcelona fans, stating the opportunity to play for Real Madrid was too significant to decline.
  • The transfer was expedited to allow Cucurella to focus fully on the upcoming World Cup with Spain.

Marc Cucurella's transfer dream came true in record time – just 36 hours from initial contact to becoming a Real Madrid player. The £52m switch from Chelsea was always going to be a tempting proposition, but the speed and ease of the deal took even the Spanish left-back by surprise.

Recounting his whirlwind journey from Stamford Bridge to Spain's training base, Cucurella revealed he received a morning phone call from Chelsea informing him that terms with Real Madrid had been largely agreed. He admitted having "no doubts" about joining the Galácticos, labelling it a career-defining move.

With his family by his side – including an adoring wife whose parents are die-hard Madrid supporters – Cucurella knew this was an opportunity he simply couldn't pass up. The chance to work with José Mourinho, one of the greatest tacticians in the game, only added to his excitement. The 27-year-old revealed a phone call from the returning head coach was the clincher, with Mourinho recalling details from their past battles – including a Champions League tie where Cucurella's Chelsea took on Benfica.

While there may be concerns from Barcelona fans about his Catalan roots and time at the Barça academy, Cucurella is undaunted. He knows joining Real Madrid comes with immense pressure, but he's ready to rise to the challenge – just like he did in winning a trophy with Chelsea. For him, this move represents the ultimate prize: becoming a champion of one of football's most storied clubs.

Apart from his gratitude towards Chelsea for giving him the chance to pursue trophies, Cucurella views Real Madrid as the perfect fit – both personally and professionally. As he prepares to don the iconic white shirt, he knows that this is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his footballing journey.

Source: Marc Cucurella

Why this matters: This transfer highlights the enduring appeal of top European clubs like Real Madrid, even for players settled at Premier League teams. It also provides insight into the rapid nature of some high-value football transfers.

What this means for you: What this means for you: Chelsea fans will be keen to see how the club reinvests the significant transfer fee and who will fill the left-back position. Supporters of Spanish football will anticipate seeing Cucurella in action for Real Madrid.

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