Cucurella presented at Real Madrid as Spain star sets sights on trophies

Real Madrid have officially presented new signing Marc Cucurella, with club president Florentino Perez alongside the Spain and Chelsea world champion at the ceremony, two days after the defender made his first appearance at Santiago Bernabeu.

Cucurella used the event to look back on his arrival at the Spanish giants and to outline his ambitions after beginning training with his new team. The formal presentation completed the public unveiling process, which had been unfolding over recent days.

According to Spanish newspaper Marca, the ceremony confirmed Cucurella’s arrival at Real Madrid almost two months after the club caused widespread surprise by completing his signing in the middle of June.

The deal was concluded swiftly, with Jose Mourinho playing a central role in the move. The Real Madrid manager identified Cucurella as the club’s absolute priority for strengthening the left-back position.

The Catalan defender did not start in that role in Saturday’s match at Cornella, but he was given minutes as part of the process of integrating him into the side. Those minutes are regarded as preparation for his introduction into the starting line-up, something that appears increasingly certain.

Cucurella is due to play at Santiago Bernabeu again on Wednesday, when Real Madrid face Real Sociedad. It will be a significant return to the stadium for a player who had not set foot there since March 2024.

That previous visit marked a decisive moment in Cucurella’s career. He started for Spain against Brazil after being called up to replace Jose Luis Gaya. From that point, Spain manager Luis de la Fuente established him as an indispensable left-back.

His rise with the national team ultimately helped lead to his move to Real Madrid. The defender, who has also represented Chelsea, said the opportunity reflected years of effort and sacrifice.

“I am extremely happy. A great deal of hard work lies behind all of this, and all the effort I have put in over these years has been worth it. I am very happy with everything that is happening to me and I hope it continues in this way, winning trophies and, above all, enjoying this experience,” Cucurella said.

He also thanked Real Madrid supporters for the welcome he had received since the move.

“I have received many messages and I will always try to give my best in every minute that I play. I think the most important thing, and what we all want, is to win trophies in this shirt,” he added.

Cucurella’s next opportunity to impress the Bernabeu crowd will come against Real Sociedad, as he continues his transition into the Real Madrid team and aims to establish himself in the position that played such an important part in his journey to the club.