WK
Marc Cucurella on Spain's World Cup start and Madrid signing
Marc Cucurella addressed the media in Chattanooga today, ahead of Spain’s second World Cup match against Saudi Arabia, after completing his transfer to Real Madrid. The full‑back reflected on Spain’s shaky start and shared his first impressions as a newly‑signed Madrid player.
Cucurella noted that no match in the tournament has been easy. He added, “The most important thing is that we didn’t win because we weren’t sharp in front of goal. But it’s good for that to happen in the first match, because in a knockout game you’re heading home,” highlighting Spain’s lack of finishing edge.
Looking ahead to Saudi Arabia, he said the opponents are expected to be a defensive side that relies on counter‑attacks. “We’re expecting a defensive team that looks to hit on the counter. A similar kind of match. This scare has put us on alert because any national team can beat you. This return to reality has done us good, seeing that this wasn’t going to be like the Euros where we won every match,” he reflected.
Cucurella explained that his move to Real Madrid happened very quickly, with clubs already in discussion when he was called in the morning. “It happened very quickly. They called me in the morning and told me the clubs had already discussed it. I had no doubts at all, it was a huge step in my career,” he said.
He revealed that Jose Mourinho personally called to express enthusiasm about working together. “Mourinho called me to tell me he is really looking forward to working with me,” Cucurella reported.
The player expressed gratitude for his time at Barcelona while acknowledging the pull of Madrid. “I’m grateful for what I experienced in Barcelona, but in life there are different stages. When Madrid want you, it’s very difficult to turn them down,” he explained.
Cucurella concluded that his career has been challenging but reaching Madrid feels like a special reward. “My career hasn’t been easy, and getting the reward of going to Madrid is something very special, a great finishing touch to my career. Hopefully I can win titles,” he said.