Cucurella opens up on turning down Barcelona, Atletico: ‘It’s impossible to reject Real Madrid’

Cucurella opens up on turning down Barcelona, Atletico: ‘It’s impossible to reject Real Madrid’ After Real Madrid confirmed his big-money move to Santiago Bernabeu this summer, Marc Cucurella has spoken at length about his move for the first time. Speaking at a press conference earlier today, the Spanish international left no doubt about his excitement at joining the club, and about the decisive role Jose Mourinho played in convincing him to make the move. Cucurella turns down Barcelona Given that Cucurella, whose arrival also solves a key UCL problem for Real Madrid , came through Barcelona’s youth system, his decision to join their fiercest rivals was always going to sting for the Blaugrana faithful. The full-back confirmed that Barcelona were indeed interested, but that Real Madrid’s approach was simply too strong to turn down. Cucurella will play for Real Madrid next season. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images) “Atletico Madrid and Barcelona interest? Real Madrid came very strongly. The interest wasn’t reported anywhere and that was very important for me because we are in a World Cup. I wanted it done immediately; it’s impossible to reject Real Madrid,” he said. Cucurella addressed the anger from Barcelona supporters directly, expressing gratitude for his upbringing at the club while standing firmly by his choice. “Barça fans are angry with me? Well, it’s impossible to reject Real Madrid,” he said. “I’m grateful for everything I experienced with Barcelona, but when Real Madrid call, it’s very hard to reject it. I’m very happy,” Cucurella added. Mourinho’s role in Cucurella deal Cucurella also revealed just how quickly the transfer came together once Real Madrid made their move. Jose Mourinho played a key role in the Cucurella deal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images) “Real Madrid? They called me in the morning and told me it was all done between them and Chelsea. I didn’t doubt for a second and it was done in one day. I’m really excited,” he said. The role of Mourinho was central to the move, with the Portuguese coach reaching out personally to convince the player. “When a manager like Jose Mourinho calls you, it’s something very important. He told me the things I did when we played against Benfica, about the impression I made as a teammate, as well as a player, and that gave me the confidence to know it was the right move,” Cucurella said. Finally, the defender also reflected on his departure from Chelsea, admitting that it wasn’t easy to leave Stamford Bridge. “It wasn’t easy leaving Chelsea, but I think joining Real Madrid is the correct choice. I get to return to my country and play for the greatest club in the world,” he concluded.