Spain defender Marc Cucurella could not hide his excitement after making his long-awaited debut for Real Madrid on Sunday.
_Los Blancos_ beat Schalke 04 3-0 at the Veltins Arena, with Cucurella coming on in the second half.
The 28-year-old joined Real Madrid on a six-year deal from Chelsea in a move worth around €50 million.
He was away with Spain at the 2026 World Cup and had to wait until this weekend to be seen in the famous white of Real Madrid.
“I am very happy,” Cucurella told Real Madrid TV after the game.
“I think it was a great match for everyone and a great result before starting the League. These were my first minutes, and I’m very eager. The wait was long, but now, little by little, I’m getting into rhythm and looking forward to starting the League.
“Very good. I think with these teammates, everything is easier. These were the first minutes of the season, and little by little, I’m finding my rhythm, and soon the real competition begins.
“Behind all this, there is a lot of work, and all the effort I’ve put in over the years has been worth it. I’m very happy with everything that’s happening to me, and I hope it continues this way – winning titles and, above all, being able to enjoy this experience.”
The former Brighton and Hove Albion defender was quick to praise and thank his teammates for helping him adapt to life in Madrid.
“They are really good people. I think they make it very easy for everyone to adapt,” he added. “The important thing is to have a good group so that it shows on the field that we are united. That’s how you win.”
Cucurella graduated from the Barcelona academy before going on loan to Eibar and Getafe.
He later secured a permanent move to Getafe before landing a big transfer to the Premier League in 2021.
After spending just a year at Brighton, Chelsea signed Cucurella in August 2022. He stayed at Stamford Bridge for three years, making over 100 league appearances for the West Londoners.
