Cucurella addresses Barcelona fans’ backlash after Real Madrid move: ‘Extremely grateful for everything’ | OneFootball

Marc Cucurella’s decision to join Real Madrid has not gone down well with Barcelona supporters, especially given his La Masia past.

Among those who have been critical about the move was Gerard Pique, who made no secret of his displeasure at an academy graduate joining the club’s fiercest rivals.

Now, speaking at a press conference, Cucurella has addressed the backlash he has faced since deciding to join Real Madrid.

Cucurella responds to Barcelona fans’ criticism

Asked whether he was surprised that people in Barcelona, Pique included, were still upset about such a move in the modern era, Cucurella explained his decision.

“In the end, opinions must be respected, and everyone has their own view. I’m extremely grateful for everything I experienced and everything they gave me at Barcelona’s academy, but as is the case with everything in life, there are stages,” he said.

The full-back made clear he had no doubts about the decision, despite the reaction it provoked.

Cucurella has signed for Real Madrid. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

“I believed this was the most appropriate step, or the one I had to take. When a club like Real Madrid comes along and insists and tells you they want you, it’s very hard to turn that down.”

“I never hesitated that it was the right step that my family and I wanted to take, and I’m very happy with the decision,” Cucurella added.

Cucurella accepted that not everyone would understand his thinking, but reiterated that it was the right call for him.

“I’m very happy with the decision I made. Understandably, there are people who don’t understand it, but life requires making decisions. Those are different stages, and my stage at Barcelona I wouldn’t change it, and I’m grateful for everything I learned,” he said.

“But at this stage of my life, I believed this was the most appropriate decision and the one that suited me best, so I made this decision. Real Madrid is a great club and one of the best clubs in the world. It’s very hard to refuse that,” he added.

Cucurella doesn’t regret joining Real Madrid. (Photo by Manuel Velasquez/Getty Images)

The deal went through quickly

Cucurella also explained just how quickly the move came together, confirming that he did not hesitate when the opportunity arose.

“Yes, it was very fast. They called me in the morning and told me that the clubs had almost agreed on everything, and they asked me if I wanted to go there. I didn’t hesitate at all; I think it’s an important and great step in my career,” he said.

Finally, Cucurella revealed that the move was done in a day and a half, though he admitted his current focus is performing well in the World Cup.

“In a day and a half, everything was settled, so it’s best for me to avoid any distractions and focus only on the World Cup, because the opportunity is worth it,” he concluded.

If there is a silver lining for Barcelona, it is that the club will earn a fraction of the deal value thanks to FIFA’s solidarity mechanism.