Marc Cucurella has already taken a swipe at Chelsea following his €60million move from the English club. Cucurella was the first major signing of the summer for Los Blancos, adding serious depth to the left-back position.
The Spaniard has established himself as one of the very best left-backs in the world over recent years, notably playing a central part in Spain's Euro 2024-winning campaign. Unsurprisingly, Cucurella has remained La Roja's first-choice left-back for this World Cup, although this time he will return to his home country when international duty is wrapped up, rather than West London.
Cucurella's Chelsea dig
Speaking during Spain's latest press conference, ahead of Sunday's group stage clash with Saudi Arabia, Cucurella opened up on the move to Real Madrid, and why he left Chelsea.
The full-back noted the move as a 'step up' and added: “The transfer to Real Madrid happened very fast. It took 36 hours. I was so happy! They called me in the morning and told me that the clubs had talked about everything, that if I wanted to go there. I had no doubt, it was a big step for my career.”
He added: “Yes, I spoke to Jose Mourinho. He told me that he wants to work with me and that gave me confidence. I really want to play under him, I can’t wait for it.”
The move was a controversial one in some ways because Cucurella came through Barcelona's La Masia academy, though he never managed a senior league appearance.
The Spaniard had said he would find it hard to reject a move back to Camp Nou, and it was expected he would return there this summer.
But Real Madrid put together an expedient operation to ensure they got there first, swiftly agreeing a deal with Chelsea, and indeed personal terms with Cucurella himself.
On the backlash in Catalonia, Cucurella added: “Barcelona fans angry at me? You can NOT reject Real Madrid. I am very happy with my decision.”
The decision is one Cucurella has to live with himself, given he is from Catalonia, and it was always one that would cause anger. But as for the Chelsea side of things, it may offend some Blues fans, but the reality is that it is currently a step up.
Chelsea will not be playing European football next season, while Real Madrid will be in the Champions League, and they are also more likely to fight for a European title. There have been times where Chelsea's level has been above that of Real Madrid, but that is not currently the case, and Los Blancos are undoubtedly one of - if not the - very biggest clubs in the world in all aspects.
Add us as a preferred source on Google