According to Football.London, the 27-year-old had already informed Chelsea earlier this month that he wanted to leave, with personal and family reasons playing a part in his wish to return to Spain.

The Spain international has signed a six-year contract with Real Madrid, becoming José Mourinho’s first confirmed signing of the summer.

A decision made quickly

Cucurella said the deal moved at unusual speed once Real Madrid made their approach.

“Yes, absolutely. I think everything was done in a day and a half or two,” he told El Mundo. “For me, that was much better, faster, with no headaches. In the end, it is done, and I am very happy. I am happy with the signing and, above all, happy that I can now focus on the national team and the World Cup, which I think is something unique and deserves full attention.”

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The left-back said there had been several possibilities on the table, but that Real Madrid’s interest changed the picture immediately.

“In the end, there were different options, but when the offer from Real Madrid arrived, I did not hesitate,” he said. “I think it is a unique opportunity. Playing for Real Madrid is an honour, and not many players can say they have done that, so I had no doubts.”

Cucurella added that his family felt the same way, describing the move as an opportunity they could not turn down.

Mourinho makes early impression

The transfer also marks the first major move of Mourinho’s new spell in charge of Real Madrid.

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Cucurella said he had already spoken with the Portuguese coach, who made clear that he wanted to work with him.

“We spoke, and he told me he was really looking forward to working with me, that I would adapt very well and that Real Madrid is a great club,” Cucurella said. Mourinho also wished him luck at the World Cup and told him they would meet in Madrid afterwards.

For Cucurella, that direct contact appears to have helped confirm the move. After three seasons at Chelsea, he now returns to Spain with a central role expected under one of the game’s most demanding managers.

Drawn by Madrid’s mystique

Cucurella also spoke about Real Madrid’s reputation for producing dramatic European nights, saying the club’s ability to turn difficult matches around is part of its appeal.

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“Very few people watching the matches can understand how Real Madrid can come back and win games when they seem to be on the ropes,” he said. “To be able to be part of it, to experience that from the inside and live those magical nights is something every footballer enjoys.”

His comments reflect the pull Real Madrid continue to hold, particularly for Spanish players who grew up watching the club dominate on the biggest stages.

More business expected

Cucurella’s arrival may be only the beginning of Madrid’s summer rebuild. Club president Florentino Pérez had previously promised moves for Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté and Inter Milan wing-back Denzel Dumfries during his presidential campaign, though neither deal has yet been formally announced.

For now, Cucurella’s focus remains with Spain at the World Cup. Once that campaign is over, attention will turn to his new challenge at the Santiago Bernabéu, where he arrives as the first signing of Mourinho’s latest Madrid project.

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