Cucurella 'didn't hesitate' in joining Madrid

Marc Cucurella has revealed he "didn't hesitate" to join Real Madrid after hearing about their bid to sign him.

The Spaniard completed his move to Madrid from Chelsea on Monday, in a deal reportedly worth €60m (£51.8m).

Cucurella made 163 appearances for the Blues following his transfer from Brighton in 2022, providing 11 assists and scoring nine goals as he won the Club World Cup and Conference League during his time in London.

The 27-year-old was the first of three marquee signings announced by Los Blancos this week, with Bernardo Silva and Ibrahima Konate following Cucurella through the door at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.

The transfer did come as a surprise, with many expecting Cucurella to return to Barcelona after coming through their youth system, but the left-back saw his latest move as an easy decision.

"There were different options, but when the offer from Real Madrid came along, I didn't hesitate," Cucurella told El Mundo.

"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."

While plenty of new faces have joined the club, a familiar one will return in the dugout, as Jose Mourinho looks to guide the team back to glory.

Mourinho previously lifted three trophies with Los Blancos between 2010 and 2013, including a LaLiga crown, though Madrid have not won any major silverware in the last two seasons.

Cucurella has already spoken to Mourinho, who was very keen for the defender to join the club.

"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," added Cucurella.

"Then, nothing more, just that I should do very well in the World Cup and that we would see each other in Madrid.

"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."