Cucurella reveals failed attempt to persuade Rodri to join Real Madrid

Marc Cucurella has revealed that he tried to convince Spain team-mate Rodri Hernandez to join Real Madrid during the recent transfer window, but says he does not wish his fellow midfielder “too much luck” because it would mean success for Rodri’s team.

The Spain left-back disclosed the behind-the-scenes approach during an exclusive interview with Manu Carreno on the popular El Larguero programme, broadcast by Cadena SER. The discussion took place at Spain’s training camp in Las Rozas, where the squad are preparing to face England on 26 September at 20:45 in the Nations League.

That match will be Spain’s first since their historic World Cup triumph this summer.

Cucurella, who has established himself as an important part of Luis de la Fuente’s side after making a strong impression at the World Cup, spoke openly about one of the most closely watched names in the latest transfer market.

He said he would have welcomed the chance to share a dressing room with Rodri at Real Madrid, describing him as “a great player”. However, Cucurella also stressed that he did not want to put pressure on his team-mate, as a move between clubs was ultimately a personal decision.

The defender added that he would not appreciate being repeatedly pursued over such a choice himself, saying he therefore preferred not to press Rodri directly.

Despite that, Cucurella admitted that he sent Rodri an indirect message before Real Madrid’s interest became public. In it, he expressed his hope that the pair would eventually become club team-mates.

Rodri did not completely rule out the possibility, but neither did he offer any firm confirmation. According to Cucurella, the midfielder responded with the ambiguous phrase: “We’ll see.”

Rodri ultimately decided to continue on his current path rather than make the move to Real Madrid.

Cucurella ended the interview with a joke about the outcome, saying: “I hope he doesn’t have too much luck,” because Rodri’s success would also mean success for his own team.