Cucurella says joining Real Madrid is the reward for his career-long effort

Marc Cucurella has described joining Real Madrid as an “exceptional” moment in his career, despite beginning his football journey at Barcelona’s renowned La Masia academy.

The Spain international completed his medical before taking part in his first training session with Real Madrid under manager Jose Mourinho. He then spoke publicly for the first time as a new member of the squad.

Cucurella, whose comments were reported by Marca, said wearing the club’s famous shirt was a rare honour.

“It’s a source of pride. I think very few people can say they have worn this shirt. We have seen great legends; it is a club with a great history, and the greatest club in Europe,” he said.

The move marks a significant change in Cucurella’s career, given his development at La Masia, the academy associated with Real Madrid’s rivals Barcelona. However, he said the opportunity to represent Real Madrid was impossible to turn down when it arrived.

“Being here today is a privilege and an honour, and above all, a reward for all the effort I have made throughout my career. I waited a long time, and it felt as though it took a long time, but I am here now,” Cucurella added.

The Spanish full-back said that, before joining the club, he had watched many of Real Madrid’s most memorable occasions from outside the pitch. He will now have the chance to experience those moments as part of the team.

“As a spectator, I saw all those magical nights, the comebacks at the Bernabeu, and all the Champions League titles the team lifted,” he said.

Cucurella said the prospect of playing for Real Madrid would be difficult for any young footballer to reject, particularly someone who had grown up watching the club’s European successes.

“As a player, and as a child starting to play football, it is very difficult to turn down the chance to play for a club like this. The opportunity came to me and I did not hesitate for a moment,” he said.

“Having the chance to experience that from the inside and take part in it is a huge responsibility, but it is also a wonderful and important challenge.”

His first impressions of working with Mourinho were also positive. Cucurella said the early atmosphere under the Portuguese manager had been marked by confidence and a relaxed approach.

“Lots of confidence and spontaneity. We have to do on the pitch what we are good at and, above all, enjoy ourselves. I think what we all want is to win and have a great year,” he said.

Cucurella also spoke about meeting his new team-mates, some of whom had already contacted him before his arrival.

“I was already excited to meet my team-mates. I spoke to some of them after they sent me messages. It was a very good start,” he said.