Real Madrid News
Real Madrid’s summer signing recalls surprise call that sealed his move: ‘I couldn’t believe it at first’
Real Madrid did not have a single player called up to the Spain squad when Luis de la Fuente named his roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Yet, when Spain eventually lifted the trophy on 19 July, Los Blancos had a player who had played a starring role for La Roja throughout the tournament.
Madrid signed Marc Cucurella from Chelsea just ahead of Spain’s opening game at the tournament, and the Spaniard went on to have a sensational campaign.
He has now been presented as one of Madrid’s marquee signings this summer and, speaking to Real Madrid TV, he reflected on how surreal these first few weeks have been.
Cucurella impressed by Madrid’s 15 Champions League trophies
As quoted by Mundo Deportivo, the 28-year-old admitted that seeing Real Madrid’s 15 European Cups up close made a major impression on him.
“It is very impressive,” Cucurella said.
He recalled some of Madrid’s most memorable recent Champions League triumphs, particularly the comeback run and the club’s latest victory.
“I remember the one with all the comebacks, and also the last one, which was won by some of my Spain teammates like Carva, Joselu and Nacho,” he continued.
For Cucurella, adding another European Cup is already one of the ambitions attached to his new chapter.
“Hopefully we can have some great seasons and be lucky enough to lift one. As a player, it is one of the greatest achievements there can be,” he revealed.
Florentino Perez made a strong impression
Cucurella also spoke warmly about Florentino Perez after spending time with the Madrid president.
“He is someone who commands respect through his presence and everything he has achieved,” the defender said.
Cucurella added that Perez deserves significant credit for the club Madrid have become, describing the opportunity to meet him more closely as a special experience.
Madrid call came out of the blue
Perhaps the most interesting part of the interview was the moment Cucurella learned Madrid wanted him this summer.
“I couldn’t believe it at first,” he said.
Cucurella explained that he was in the United States when his representatives urgently asked him to join a video call.
“It was eight in the morning and I thought, ‘Something has happened, they must have some bad news to give me,'” he continued.
“I was a bit in shock because I wasn’t expecting it. Nobody had told me anything.”
Cucurella did not hesitate
Once the surprise disappeared, Cucurella’s response was immediate.
“You don’t expect it. Not many people can say they have received a call from a club like Real Madrid,” he said.
“I was very excited and I didn’t hesitate for a moment.”
The Spaniard’s words also explain how the deal between Madrid, Chelsea and Cucurella progressed at an incredible pace.
Before anyone realised, Los Blancos had already announced the Spanish left-back as their new signing this summer.
Madrid now have one of the best left-backs of his generation at their club and get to enjoy him during his prime years.
Despite spending many years in La Masia and having come through Barcelona’s academy, Cucurella seems to embody Madrid’s spirit to perfection.
He has made a strong impression on Madrid fans even before his playing career has properly begun and is set to be felicitated tomorrow at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Los Blancos fans will hope that Cucurella can carry his World Cup form into the club season, and it remains to be seen how he fares under Jose Mourinho.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid to honour two World Cup winners at Santiago Bernabeu during Real Sociedad clash
Real Madrid started their La Liga campaign on a winning note, with a late 2-1 win over Espanyol thanks to goals from Jude Bellingham and Carlos Espi.
They are now set to welcome Real Sociedad to the Santiago Bernabeu in what will be their second league game of the season.
Jose Mourinho will be hoping for a more cohesive performance than the one against Espanyol and to see more positives against the Basque club.
Now, according to COPE, Los Blancos are set to stage a special tribute at the Bernabeu, with Marc Cucurella and Mikel Oyarzabal due to be recognised for winning the World Cup with Spain.
The trophy itself will be present at the Bernabeu tomorrow as part of the ceremony, adding extra significance to the occasion.
Cucurella to receive Real Madrid tribute
Cucurella will be honoured by Real Madrid after returning from the tournament as a world champion.
The left-back joined Madrid this summer and has quickly become one of the most high-profile additions to Jose Mourinho’s squad.
For the club, the tribute is a chance to celebrate both the achievement of one of their own players and Spain’s success on the biggest international stage.
It should also offer Cucurella a memorable Bernabeu moment early in his Madrid career.
Oyarzabal to be recognised by Real Sociedad
Mikel Oyarzabal will also be part of the celebrations, although his recognition will come from Real Sociedad.
COPE reports that both clubs will take part in honouring their respective World Cup winners, creating a shared moment before attention turns back to domestic competition.
Oyarzabal was one of Spain’s key figures during the tournament and remains one of Real Sociedad’s most important players.
For supporters inside the Bernabeu, it will be a rare opportunity to see the World Cup up close while celebrating two players who helped Spain lift it.
While most of the attention in the Bernabeu will understandably be on Cucurella, the fans should also take the opportunity to honour Oyarzabal.
Cucurella has arrived at the club not only as a major signing for the Mourinho era but as a world champion, and he is yet to get started properly in his Los Blancos career.
Tomorrow would give him the opportunity to receive the love that the Bernabeu gives him and use it as motivation to continue having memorable nights at the stadium in the seasons to come.
