Cucurella faces the cameras: “I had no doubts about going to Real Madrid”

Marc Cucurella is the man of the moment — and the Spanish federation knows it. That’s why, instead of shielding him, they opened the doors wide and let him address everything head‑on.

Out of the 16 questions put to him on Thursday, 10 were about his move to Real Madrid -62 percent. And Cucurella handled it exactly as he plays: without dodging, without clearing the ball into the stands — straight on.

“It all happened really fast. I’m very happy about this new chapter. They called me in the morning and asked if I wanted to go. I had no doubts — it was a huge step in my career. In a day and a half, everything was done.” That’s how he described his express transfer to Real Madrid.

A deal closed at lightning speed: €55 million (about $59 million), a contract through 2032, and a sudden shift in his footballing stature. “Real Madrid is one of the best clubs in the world. The pressure will be massive. When you join a club like this, all you want is to fight for titles. It’s the club with the most Champions Leagues — hopefully I can win one.”

He’s already spoken with José Mourinho, his new coach: “It was a quick chat. What I liked is that he remembered specific plays from when I faced Benfica. He noticed those details. That gave me confidence — it made me feel this was the right step.”

“When Madrid comes for you, it’s almost impossible to say no”

Interest from Atlético and Barcelona also surfaced, but Cucurella kept it simple: “The best thing that happened is that Madrid came in strong. That was very important for me. My situation wasn’t easy, and being able to close the deal before the World Cup mattered a lot. When a team like Madrid comes for you, it’s very hard to say no.”

He insists the transfer didn’t disrupt Spain’s World Cup camp: “It didn’t affect the team at all. Everyone was really happy for me. We have a great group — very united.”

That unity is what they’re leaning on after a shaky start, including the setback against Cabo Verde. Inside the locker room, they see it as a wake‑up call. “Maybe that scare put us on alert. Any team can beat you. What we did at the Euros — winning every match — isn’t normal.”

“Good vibes matter — they show on the field”

Cucurella emphasized the group dynamic again and again. “The most important thing is the respect we all have for each other. Any decision I make or another player makes will be respected. Being here is a privilege, and having a good atmosphere is key — it shows on the field.”

He also reflected on leaving Chelsea: “If you’d asked me a few months ago, I wouldn’t have expected to leave. But life brings new chapters you don’t see coming. It was hard to leave Chelsea — I’m very grateful — but going to Real Madrid is the right decision.”

Full press‑conference translation

On signing for Real Madrid

“It happened really fast. I’m very happy about this new chapter. They called me in the morning and asked if I wanted to go. I didn’t hesitate — it was a huge step in my career. In a day and a half, everything was done.”

On criticism from Barcelona fans

“I respect everyone’s opinions. I’m very grateful to Barça’s academy, but life is about stages. I felt this was the step I had to take. When a club like Madrid comes for you, it’s very hard to turn them down. I’m very happy with my decision.”

What joining Madrid means

“It’s a huge step. Real Madrid is one of the best clubs in the world. The pressure will be massive. When you join a club like this, you want to fight for titles. They’ve won the most Champions Leagues — hopefully I can win one.”

On interest from Barcelona and Atlético

“The best thing that happened is that Madrid came in strong. That meant a lot. My situation wasn’t easy, and being able to close the deal before the World Cup was important. When Madrid calls, it’s very hard to say no.”

On speaking with Mourinho

“I talked to Mourinho. He called me and said he was excited to work with me. I’m looking forward to working with him.”

On the social‑media controversy

“People thought the photo my wife posted was me — it wasn’t. Her family has always been Madrid fans. When you live football from the inside, you put feelings aside and choose what’s best for your career. Who would’ve told her she’d end up with someone playing for Real Madrid?”

On the loss to Cabo Verde

“We all wanted to win, but this World Cup has shown that no match is easy. Maybe we didn’t win because we weren’t sharp in front of goal. Better that it happens in the first match than in a knockout round. Now we have another game, and hopefully we get the three points.”

On Mourinho’s project

“Our chat was quick. What I liked is that he remembered specific plays from when I faced Benfica. He noticed those details. That gave me confidence — it made me feel this was the right step.”

On leaving Chelsea

“If you’d asked me months ago, I wouldn’t have expected to leave. But life brings new chapters you don’t expect. Leaving Chelsea was hard — I’m very grateful — but going to Real Madrid is the right decision.”

On criticism for announcing the transfer before the Cabo Verde match

“It didn’t affect the team at all. Everyone was happy for me. We have a great group — very united.”

On facing Saudi Arabia

“We expect a match similar to Cabo Verde. Maybe that scare put us on alert — any team can beat you. It was a good reality check. What we did at the Euros isn’t normal.”

On surprising teams

“I’m not watching much football, but France has a lot of quality. It’s only the first match — there are many great teams. We didn’t start how we wanted, and Sunday’s match is very important.”

On his relationship with teammates

“The most important thing is the respect we all have for each other. Any decision I make or another player makes will be respected. Being here is a privilege, and having a good atmosphere is key — it shows on the field.”

On how Spain has improved

“We’ve changed some players, but most of the group is the same. Some guys have more experience now. The team is more mature and more ambitious.”

On his son’s reaction to the transfer

“He’ll realize it when we move. We’ll try to handle everything naturally — new school, new home. Spain will be our new home now. They’ll enjoy the country, and I’m very happy about everything.”

On support from the fans

“We’re very happy with the support we’re getting. I didn’t expect so much, being so far from Spain. We’ll try to play a great match for everyone coming to the stadium.”

Spain are next in action on Sunday, facing Saudi Arabia in Atlanta in their second outing in Group H. All four teams are still looking for their first win and are level with a point each - De la Fuente’s team sit third.

Sunday’s game, which kicks off at 6 p.m. ET, will be broadcast live by FOX and FS1.

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