By Paschal Madu
Real Madrid new signing Marc Cucurella has revealed that a conversation with head coach Jose Mourinho played a key role in his decision to join the Spanish giants from Chelsea.
The Spanish defender completed a £52 million move to Real Madrid this summer and admitted that he did not hesitate when the opportunity to join the European champions arose.
Speaking to Spanish outlet El Mundo, Cucurella described the transfer as a dream move and an honour few players get the chance to experience.
“When Madrid came, I didn’t think about it. It’s a unique opportunity. Playing for Real Madrid is an honour and not many players can say it, so I had no doubts,” he said.
The 27-year-old also disclosed that Mourinho personally contacted him before the transfer was finalized, outlining his plans and expressing his desire to work with the defender.
“I had a phone call with Mourinho before signing. He told me that he really wanted to work with me, that I was going to adapt very well, and that Madrid was a great club. I am looking forward to working with him,” Cucurella said.
The former Chelsea star becomes one of Real Madrid’s marquee signings ahead of the new season as Mourinho continues to reshape the squad.
Cucurella joins a growing list of high-profile arrivals at the Santiago Bernabéu, including Bernardo Silva and Ibrahima Konaté, while Inter Milan wing-back Denzel Dumfries is also expected to complete a move to the club.
Real Madrid will be hoping the new additions strengthen their squad as they prepare to compete for domestic and European honours under Mourinho’s leadership.