Chelsea full-back Marc Cucurella, who began his youth career at Barcelona, has opened up about his journey and revealed that he has no regrets about leaving the club.
Despite moving away from La Masia, Cucurella is currently enjoying a successful period in his career, both in the Premier League and with the Spanish national team.
Cucurella joined Barcelona’s academy in 2012 but struggled to secure a permanent place in the first team after a series of loan spells.
In 2021, he joined Brighton & Hove Albion in England, which is when he came under the spotlight. Reflecting on his time at Barcelona, he said,
“I wouldn’t change my career for having stayed at Barça, to be honest. Maybe if I had stayed, I wouldn’t have had playing time or learned what I’ve learned.
“To play at the highest level, it’s key to have confidence, and I found that outside of Barça. I wouldn’t change anything I’ve experienced.”
Cucurella credits his adaptability and unique style for his success, stating, “The good thing about me was that I was a little different from the rest.
“My characteristics weren’t the most ‘made in La Masia’, and that helped me adapt to other styles. Between what they taught me there and what I learned outside, I’ve become a good player.”
Champions League reunion against Barcelona
This season, Chelsea have been paired with Barcelona in the Champions League, offering Cucurella a special reunion with his former club.
He shared his excitement by admitting, “It will be a great game. I haven’t played against Barça in many years.
“Everyone is asking me for tickets, and there are still a couple of months to go.
“The Champions League is a special competition: the atmosphere, the day, everything… Hopefully, we can win.”
Cucurella also acknowledged Barcelona’s strength, stating the Hansi Flick side remains the favourite for the tie.
“I think Barça are slight favourites. We haven’t played in the Champions League for a few years, and we have a young team.
“I’m the second most experienced player and that shows in important moments. Barça have more experience, more Champions League games and more composure in tight situations. But anything can happen in a game.”
When asked about a potential clash with Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal, Cucurella joked,
“I won’t hold back there. The good thing is that there’s still a long way to go before the World Cup; if I knock him out, he’ll have plenty of time to recover.”
He also added, “I like playing against people I don’t know, I feel more comfortable. I’m not one to write to opponents before games if they’re friends either,” he concluded.
Source: SPORT