'When Real Madrid come calling, it is very hard to say no' - Cucurella

[Getty Images] "In life and in football, sometimes you need to start new chapters you don't expect," Marc Cucurella admitted when asked about his shock £51.8m move to Real Madrid just hours before Spain's opening World Cup game. The 27-year-old defender made 50 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea in 2025-26, scoring one goal and providing four assists. "If you had asked me a few months ago, I probably would have said I don't expect to leave Chelsea," Cucurella revealed in a news conference on Thursday. "I was very happy there and so was my family. "It isn't easy leaving Chelsea. I arrived as a young kid, I dreamed of winning trophies and Chelsea gave me that, but I think the step to go to Real Madrid now is bigger. "I have the chance to come back to my country, to one of the best clubs in the world, and I think it is a step I need to make. "It is a decision that wasn't easy, but it is right for me and my family." Cucurella joins former Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva and former Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate as one of three major signings already made by Real Madrid since Jose Mourinho's return last week. "Madrid came in strongly, which was very important to me," Cucurella added. "My situation wasn't easy so having the chance to finalise my transfer before the World Cup started was crucial. "When a team like Madrid comes calling, it is very hard to say no. I had no doubts though as it is a huge step in my career."