Marc Cucurella called time on his four years at Chelsea after completing a transfer to Real Madrid.
After the Blues failed to qualify for European football next season, combined with their decision to axe former head coach Enzo Maresca at the start of the year, Cucurella was determined to move in.
Despite being close to joining Atletico Madrid, it was Real Madrid who moved quickest to land the 27-year-old, and playing at the Santiago Bernabeu was an opportunity the full-back felt was too good to turn down.
Marc Cucurella on his move to Real Madrid in his own words
Speaking about how the transfer came to be during a recent interview with El Mundo, Cucurella said: "I think it was all done in a day and a half or two. Much better for me, much faster, no headaches.
"It’s finally been finalised and I’m very happy. Happy about the signing and especially happy to be able to focus on the national team, on the World Cup, which I think is a unique opportunity and deserves it.
"I think it was Sunday afternoon, more or less. That’s when they told me that everything was more or less done, that there were still some paperwork issues, signatures, but nothing serious.
"I think we had it all sorted out in a day or a day and a half. And then they announced it, which was a bit more difficult with the time change, because it came out hours before the Cape Verde match, but the truth is that everything was already done. By then I was already thinking about the match and had nothing to worry about.
"In the end there were different options, but when the offer from Real Madrid came along, I didn’t hesitate. I think it’s a unique opportunity. Ultimately, playing for Real Madrid is an honour, and not many players can say that, so I had no doubts.
"I think both I and those around me, my family, were clear that it was an opportunity we couldn’t refuse, and I’m very happy with the decision we made."
Cucurella left Stamford Bridge with two major trophies, including the 2024-25 UEFA Conference League. He played 163 times in all competitions and was directly involved in 22 goals.
What Jose Mourinho had to say about the deal
Revealing what Mourinho told him as soon as he'd signed on the dotted line, Cucurella added: "We were talking and he told me he was really looking forward to working with me, that I would adapt very well, that Real Madrid was a great club.
"Then, nothing more, just that I should do very well in the World Cup and that we would see each other in Madrid."
Real Madrid are now expected to make the Blues an opening offer for Enzo Fernandez, and, should an agreement be reached, the Argentine would become Mourinho's fourth signing of the summer after Cucurella, Ibrahima Konate and Bernardo Silva.
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