Marc Cucurella says Real Madrid move was an opportunity he ‘never hesitated’ over

Marc Cucurella says he did not hesitate when Real Madrid offered him the chance to join the club, describing his move from Chelsea as a reward for the hard work he has put into his career.

The Spain international joined Real Madrid during the current summer transfer window and took part in his first training session with the club on Monday after completing his period of rest following the World Cup.

“I am very happy. I waited a long time, but in the end I am here,” Cucurella said in an interview with the club’s television channel.

The defender trained alongside his new team-mates for the first time and was introduced to the rest of the squad.

“I trained today with my team-mates and met everyone. I have a great desire to get to know everybody better, little by little, and for it to be a great year,” he added.

Cucurella said joining Real Madrid was a source of immense pride, given the club’s history and status in European football.

“It is something to be proud of. I think not many people can say they have worn this shirt. We have seen great legends, and this is a club with a great history and the biggest in Europe,” he said.

“Being here today is a privilege and an honour and, above all, a reward for all the effort I have put in throughout my career.”

The 28-year-old said he had been eager to meet his new colleagues and had already spoken to some of them before arriving.

“I was excited to meet everyone and I spoke to some of my team-mates who had contacted me. It was a great welcome and it was a long, demanding day,” Cucurella said.

“I am starting to get my feeling back and I am gradually getting into training. Soon, the best part will begin.”

Cucurella also stressed the importance of hard work and unity as Real Madrid prepare for the 2026-27 season.

“I am a person who works very hard, and in the end, with players of this quality and with everyone united as one team, both on and off the pitch, I think we can achieve great things,” he said.

He said the opportunity to experience the club’s famous European nights first-hand had been a major factor in his decision.

“When the opportunity to play for Real Madrid came to me, I never hesitated. As a viewer, I saw all those magical nights, the comebacks and the Champions League trophies they lifted,” Cucurella said.

“To have the chance to experience this for myself and take part in something so significant is a very big responsibility, but it is also a great and extremely important challenge.”

Real Madrid are preparing for the start of the new 2026-27 season.