Chelsea star Marc Cucurella has expressed his unhappiness over a failed move to Manchester City earlier in his career.
The left-back was the latest guest on Informe Plus for Movistar. The full episode was released on Monday and El Desmarque have relayed his comments.
Manchester City were keen on bringing him to the Etihad from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2022.
The current Chelsea star first arrived in the UK when Brighton signed him from Getafe in 2021. He made 38 appearances in his debut season for the Seagulls, and his displays caught Manchester City’s attention.
Pep Guardiola asked the former Barcelona man to join him at Manchester City. The Spain international has said he was determined to complete a move to the Etihad at that time.
A move never materialised because Manchester City failed to reach an agreement with Brighton. Chelsea, on the other hand, were able to strike a deal and secure the fullback in August 2022.
Cucurella has now pinned the blame on Brighton for not letting him join Manchester City.
“They were on fire and were one of the best teams in the world. I absolutely wanted to go. When they come like they did, and when Guardiola asks you to, you’ll go on your knees, if necessary,” he said.
“But the clubs couldn’t reach an agreement. Brighton had exorbitant demands, and it just wasn’t possible.”
Manchester City ended up signing Sergio Gómez from Anderlecht in August 2022. He was then sold to Real Sociedad in July 2024. Cucurella has built himself into a real star at Chelsea and for Spain.