Marc Cucurella insists he had no hesitation in leaving Chelsea to join Real Madrid and has revealed the message he received from Jose Mourinho about his move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
The 27-year-old was expected to be one of Xabi Alonso's trusted players at Chelsea next season but the Spain international has opted to leave Stamford Bridge in order to return to La Liga. Cucurella had attracted interest from both Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, but Real Madrid moved quickly to complete a €60 million (£52m) deal on Monday.
'I think it was all done in a day and a half or two. Much better for me, much faster, no headaches,' Cucurella said in an interview with El Mundo. 'It's finally been finalized and I'm very happy. Happy about the signing and especially happy to be able to focus on the national team, on the World Cup, which I think is a unique opportunity and deserves it.'
'I think it was Sunday afternoon, more or less. That's when they told me that everything was more or less done, that there were still some paperwork issues, signatures, but nothing serious. I think we had it all sorted out in a day or a day and a half. And then they announced it, which was a bit more difficult with the time change, because it came out hours before the Cape Verde match, but the truth is that everything was already done. By then I was already thinking about the match and had nothing to worry about.'
'In the end there were different options, but when the offer from Real Madrid came along, I didn't hesitate. I think it's a unique opportunity. Ultimately, playing for Real Madrid is an honour, and not many players can say that, so I had no doubts. I think both I and those around me, my family, were clear that it was an opportunity we couldn't refuse, and I'm very happy with the decision we made.'
Cucurella also revealed how Mourinho made it clear that he wanted him at Madrid. 'We were talking and he told me he was really looking forward to working with me, that I would adapt very well, that Real Madrid was a great club,' Cucurella said. 'Then, nothing more, just that I should do very well in the World Cup and that we would see each other in Madrid. He told me he wanted me, and that's it. I'm very happy about this confidence. I'm looking forward to starting to work with him.'
Cucurella added: 'I've had to make an important decision, and I have no doubts; I think it's a big step for me. When you're a kid, you dream of playing for big teams, and I think Real Madrid is one of them. They're the team with the most Champions League titles in the world, and I hope to win titles with them and have a wonderful time there.'
'I think it's been seen many times in their historic comebacks. I think they have a mystique… I don't know how to put it, it's unpredictable. Very few people watching the matches can understand how Real Madrid can come back or win games when they seem to be on the ropes. To be able to be a part of it, to experience that feeling from the inside, to live through those magical nights is something that, as a footballer, I think everyone enjoys. If you're given the opportunity to experience that, there's little doubt left.'
