Marc Cucurella has explained why he chose to join Real Madrid despite his long-standing ties to Barcelona, insisting he had no doubts once the Spanish giants made their interest known.
The Spain international completed a £52 million move from Chelsea and is set to begin a new chapter at the Santiago Bernabeu under Jose Mourinho.
Cucurella’s decision has generated discussion in Spain because of his background at Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, where he developed before launching his professional career.
However, the 27-year-old said the opportunity to play for Real Madrid was too significant to reject.
“There were different options, but when the offer from Real Madrid came along, I didn’t hesitate,” Cucurella told El Mundo from Spain’s camp at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“I think it’s a unique opportunity. Ultimately, playing for Real Madrid is an honour, and not many players can say that, so I had no doubts.”
The defender said he views the move as an important step in his career and believes joining one of football’s most successful clubs outweighs any loyalty concerns linked to his Barcelona upbringing.
Addressing supporters who may struggle to accept the switch, he said: “I tell them that life has different stages. “In this case, I’ve had to make an important decision, and I have no doubts; I think it’s a big step for me.
“When you’re a kid, you dream of playing for big teams, and I think Real Madrid is one of them. “They’re the team with the most Champions League titles in the world, and I hope to win titles with them and have a wonderful time there.”
Cucurella also revealed that Mourinho personally contacted him after the transfer was agreed. “Yes, we were talking and he told me he was really looking forward to working with me, that I would adapt very well, that Real Madrid was a great club.
“Then, nothing more, just that I should do very well in the World Cup and that we would see each other in Madrid.” The full-back welcomed the confidence shown by the Portuguese manager.
When asked about reports suggesting Mourinho was determined to sign him above all other left-back targets, Cucurella replied: “No, I don’t know if he said that. “He told me he wanted me, and that’s it. I’m very happy about this confidence. I’m looking forward to starting to work with him.”
The move was completed in less than two days, allowing the defender to avoid a prolonged transfer saga during Spain’s World Cup campaign. “I think it was all done in a day and a half or two,” he said.
“Much better for me, much faster, no headaches. It’s finally been finalised and I’m very happy. “I think it was Sunday afternoon… when they told me that everything was more or less done, that there were still some paperwork issues, signatures, but nothing serious.
“And then they announced it, which was a bit more difficult with the time change, because it came out hours before the Cape Verde match, but the truth is that everything was already done.”
The defender said the quick resolution of the transfer removed any uncertainty about his future and allowed him to concentrate on Spain’s World Cup challenge before linking up with his new club in Madrid.
