Chelsea have been busy in the transfer market this summer but one player leaving Stamford Bridge has been met with strong words from an ex-colleague
Marc Cucurella of Chelsea celebrates with teammates Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson
Marc Cucurella's Real Madrid move has attracted criticism(Image: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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The decision from Marc Cucurella to trade Chelsea for Real Madrid has not gone down well with former Spain star Gerard Pique. World Cup winning centre-back Pique played with a young Cucurella at Barcelona and believes it's wrong for the left-back to represent the Catalan club's fierce rivals.
Pique was an unused substitute when Cucurella made his first-team debut in the 2017/18 Copa del Rey. However, that would prove to be the only senior Barca appearance for the left-back, who had come through the club's La Masia academy.
After stints with Getafe, Brighton and Chelsea, Cucurella agreed to move to the Bernabeu for £52million. This appears to have hit a nerve with Pique, despite his former colleague barely playing for his boyhood club.
“Cucurella was formed in La Masia. He wore the Barça badge as a child, learnt the club’s values and knew exactly what Barcelona means to millions of fans around the world. That’s why this hurts even more," Pique said.
He continued: "A player who comes through La Masia understands the rivalry better than anyone. If you grow up in Barcelona’s youth academy and then choose Real Madrid, don’t expect the Barca fans to celebrate it.
“La Masia is more than just a football academy: it’s an identity. You can leave Barcelona, but joining Real Madrid after coming through the ranks at La Masia? For many fans, that’s crossing a line. People can make their own decisions, but a true Barca fan never forgets where they come from.”
Marc Cucurella playing for Barcelona in 2018
Cucurella started his career at Barcelona when Pique was still at the club(Image: Joe Scarnici/International Champions Cup/Getty Images)
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Cucurella has signed a contract with Real Madrid until 2032. He will link up with his new club for pre-season after representing Spain at the World Cup, where he played the full 90 minutes in a goalless draw with Cape Verde in La Roja's opener.
"Marc Cucurella has completed a permanent transfer to Spanish La Liga side Real Madrid. Cucurella joined Chelsea in the summer of 2022 from Brighton & Hove Albion and was part of the team that lifted the UEFA Europa Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup last year," a Chelsea statement confirming the exit read.
"During Cucurella’s stay at Stamford Bridge, the 27-year-old defender regularly represented the Spanish national team and won the UEFA European Championships in 2024. Everyone at Chelsea FC would like to thank Marc for his efforts during his time at the club and for the role he played in our recent achievements. We wish him every success as he begins the next stage of his career."
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