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Marc Cucurella has finally opened up about his high-profile switch to Real Madrid, revealing that an encouraging phone call from Jose Mourinho played a key role in sealing the move. Despite his long-standing connection with Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy, the 27-year-old full-back said he could not refuse the chance to join Europe’s most decorated club.

Mourinho’s personal touch

The new Real Madrid recruit spoke about the warm welcome he received from Mourinho after completing his transfer to the Santiago Bernabéu. The Spanish defender, who joined Los Blancos from Chelsea in a £52 million deal, disclosed that the iconic Portuguese coach personally reached out to express his excitement and confidence ahead of their collaboration in Madrid.

Speaking to El Mundo from Spain’s national team camp during the 2026 World Cup, Cucurella said: “Yes, 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. Then, nothing more, just that I should do very well in the World Cup and that we would see each other in Madrid.”

When asked about rumours suggesting Mourinho had promised not to sign another left-back if the deal collapsed, Cucurella clarified: “No, I don’t know if he said that. 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.”

Choosing Madrid over Barcelona loyalty

Cucurella’s transfer has sparked debate in Spain due to his Barcelona background, but the defender remains steadfast about his decision. He explained that once Real Madrid showed interest, there was no hesitation. “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,” he said.

Addressing fans who may find it difficult to see a former Barcelona youth player donning Madrid’s white shirt, he added: “I tell them that life has different stages. In this case, 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 trophies with them and have a wonderful time there.”

A quick deal finalised within days

The rapid pace of the negotiations surprised many, including Cucurella himself. The agreement moved from initial discussions to completion in less than two days. Given that the player is currently representing Spain at the World Cup, the timing was delicate, but he admitted he was relieved the matter was resolved swiftly to avoid distractions.

“I think it was all done in a day and a half or two,” he explained. “Much better for me, much faster, no headaches. It’s finally been finalised and I’m very happy. I think it was Sunday afternoon when they told me that everything was more or less done, that there were still some paperwork issues, signatures, but nothing serious. 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.”

World Cup frustration with La Roja

While his club future is now settled, Cucurella is focused on helping Spain recover from a slow start to their World Cup campaign after being held to a 0-0 draw by Cape Verde. The left-back admitted that the result was disappointing but urged supporters to remain patient as the reigning European champions look to build momentum.

“It’s clear it hasn’t been good. We all wanted to win, and maybe it seemed easier than it actually was,” Cucurella said while previewing the upcoming clash against Saudi Arabia. “We made a few mistakes, we weren’t entirely accurate, a bit imprecise, and against those teams, when you don’t start well, everything gets complicated. We lacked a bit of freshness and ideas because we don’t usually make many mistakes. But well, we have time to improve and prepare well for the next match. It’s better that what happened in Cape Verde happened now, so we can gradually improve.”

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