Marc Cucurella on Real Madrid move: No Barcelona interest

Marc Cucurella completed a surprise overnight transfer from Chelsea to Real Madrid, becoming the Spanish left‑back who started both of Spain’s FIFA World Cup matches, playing the full 90 minutes and helping the team keep clean sheets while providing attacking impetus. Real Madrid entered the FIFA World Cup without a single Spanish international in its squad, a first in the club’s history. President Florentino Perez reversed that situation by signing Cucurella from Chelsea in an overnight deal. The signing instantly gave the club a regular Spanish international at left‑back. Cucurella started both of Spain’s World Cup matches and completed the full 90 minutes in each. His defensive work contributed to clean sheets while his forward runs added an attacking outlet.

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Speaking about his role, Cucurella said, “I always tell my winger to do whatever he wants and I do what he doesn’t want, the dirty work, so that he can feel good.” He added that this balance helps the team maintain chemistry on the flank. The left‑back opened up about his personal life, noting, “I think everyone already knows that my son has autism. It didn’t change my life, it just makes you appreciate it more.” He stressed that family considerations guided his club choice, saying he would not join a team lacking suitable schools or therapies for his son.

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Cucurella revealed that he learned of Real Madrid’s interest two days before the deal was announced and accepted the move without hesitation. He described the speed of the process as “so fast” and said, “Opportunities like this come once in a lifetime and you can’t turn them down.” Addressing the rivalry, Cucurella said, “There was no interest from Barcelona, but there was from Atletico.” He emphasized that the decisive factor was becoming a Real Madrid player. He concluded, “The important thing is that it’s done, that I’m a Real Madrid player, that we win titles again, and that I enjoy the experience.”