‘I didn’t have to think twice’ – New Real Madrid signing explains transfer decision

‘I didn’t have to think twice’ – New Real Madrid signing explains transfer decision Real Madrid have already signed several new players with the 2026 summer transfer window yet to open, but the one operation that particularly surprised the world of football was their signing of the Chelsea fullback Marc Cucurella. The Spanish defender was linked with a return to Spain, being linked with both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, but very few expected him to sign for the Merengues in the end. However, this deal is already done and dusted, Real Madrid already having officially announced his signing. Thus, the defender is currently going through one of the most important periods in his career, playing for Spain in the World Cup, while getting ready to join arguably the biggest club in the world after this competition. In such a context, he appeared in an interview with El Mundo, and MARCA has reported some of the highlights of this interview. In this interview, he talked about the speed with which his transfer was completed and his reasons for joining Real Madrid. Cucurella made it clear that he was happy that his move was completed quickly: “In a day and a half, maybe two days, everything was done. For me, much better—much quicker, with no headaches… Everything was already done. At that point, I was only thinking about the match [Spain vs Cape Verde] and had nothing to worry about.” The Spaniard also made it clear that he did not have to think a lot when the option of Real Madrid emerged: “There were different options, but when the Madrid one arrived, I didn’t have to think twice. I think it’s a unique opportunity… Playing for Real Madrid is an honor, and not many players can say they’ve done it.” The defender also revealed the role Jose Mourinho played in convincing him to join his team: “He told me he was really looking forward to working with me, that I would adapt very well, and that Madrid is a great club… I’m very happy for this show of confidence. I can’t wait to start working with him.” Meanwhile, he did not believe that his previous roots with Barcelona would have any effect on him with this move: “Life has different stages. I had to make an important decision, and I have no doubts about it… When you’re a child, you dream of playing for big clubs, and I think Real Madrid is one of them. It’s the team with the most Champions League titles in the world.” The fullback was also full of praise for the white club, especially for its never say die attitude: “It has a mystique… I don’t know how to put it, it’s unpredictable… Very few people watching the matches can explain how Real Madrid manage to come back or win games when they seem to have their backs against the wall.” With this transfer, he was looking to become a part of the magical UCL nights that Real Madrid is characterized with: “Being able to experience those magical nights is something that, as a footballer, I think everyone would enjoy. If you’re given the opportunity to live that, there’s not much to think about.” Meanwhile, he also identified with the Merengue team’s spirit on an individual level: “I’m a very hardworking player, a real fighter, someone who tries to give everything until the very last moment… I think that’s a bit of the Real Madrid DNA—that idea of ‘until the very end.’” With the level at which he has played for the last few years, there very little reason to doubt that Marc Cucurella would prove to be a very good addition to this Real Madrid side. Hopefully, he would be able to help the Merengue team get back to winning ways, and get their hands once again on their most desired trophy, the UCL.