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Marc Cucurella shares what Jose Mourinho told him after leaving Chelsea

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Marc Cucurella has spoken out after his exit from Chelsea, but not directly about the Blues, as he spoke about Jose Mourinho instead.

Marc Cucurella’s move to Real Madrid made absolute sense for him when viewed through the lens of a link-up with Chelsea legend Jose Mourinho.

However, the transfer timing is logical given Chelsea’s recent recruitment strategy. Reports heavily linking the Blues to Sporting CP’s Maxi Araújo, as well as the faith that Xabi Alonso has already put in Jorrel Hato, seeing him as a direct replacement for Cucurella if needed.

But, as Alonso has said all along, he doesn’t want passengers at Chelsea, and there were rumours about Cucurella wanting away, even before the World Cup.

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Jose Mourinho delighted to have signed Marc Cucurella

In an interview with El Mundo, Marc Cucurella has spoken on the influence of Jose Mourinho and his words to him since joining Real Madrid.

“Jose Mourinho told me he was really looking forward to working with me, I would adapt very well, and that Real Madrid was a great club.

“I’m very happy for Mourinho’s confidence. I can’t wait to start working with him.”

It just feels strange to see Jose Mourinho taking one of Chelsea’s best players, given his affiliation to the Blues, but this is the situation we are in after a season of finishing in 10th.

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Players that Jose Mourinho has signed from Chelsea in the past

Jose Mourinho’s acquisition of Marc Cucurella continues a long-standing tradition of the Portuguese boss raiding his former club for trusted talent. Over his managerial career, Mourinho has frequently turned to Stamford Bridge to bolster his squads at new destinations.

He brought loyal lieutenant Ricardo Carvalho to Real Madrid in 2010, followed by a loan move for midfielder Michael Essien in 2012.

Later, at Manchester United, he secured a £40 million deal for Nemanja Matic, before plucking Tammy Abraham and Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea to spearhead his attack during his time at AS Roma.