Marc Cucurella says the contact between Barcelona and his representatives last summer never became a serious transfer pursuit. The left-back joined Real Madrid from Chelsea instead, putting a former Barcelona academy player on the other side of Spanish football’s fiercest rivalry. He has also described how he tried to persuade Spain team-mate Rodri to join him in Madrid.

Barcelona’s calls went no further

Cucurella said his agent had received some calls about a possible return to Barcelona, but the conversations went no further. He did not regard them as genuine interest, according to Goal’s account of his comments. His distinction matters: contact with a player’s camp is a long way from an offer, and Cucurella did not describe a transfer that was close to completion.

Real Madrid confirmed his arrival from Chelsea in June, announcing a contract through June 2032. His background at Barcelona’s La Masia academy made the move particularly striking, but his latest comments suggest a return to Barça was never as advanced as the rumours implied.

A quiet message to Rodri

Cucurella did want Rodri to join him at the Bernabéu. Speaking to Cadena SER’s El Larguero, he said he had sent the midfielder a subtle message expressing the hope that they would become club team-mates. Rodri’s reply, as Cucurella recalled it, was essentially: “We’ll see.” Cucurella said he did not want to pressure him over a personal decision.

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Barcelona announced Rodri’s arrival from Manchester City in August. Cucurella’s attempt therefore ended with the two Spain internationals at opposing clubs. He joked that he hoped Rodri would not enjoy too much success on the pitch, since that would come at Madrid’s expense.

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