Real Madrid avoid unwanted World Cup first thanks to last-minute transfer

Marc Cucurella’s announcement as a Real Madrid player was the perfect timing for more than one reason.

Having been unveiled as Los Blancos’ latest signing on Monday morning, the left-back was part of Spain’s matchday squad for their World Cup opener against Cape Verde.

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Cucurella put an end to months of speculation over his future at Chelsea by penning a six-year deal at the Spanish giants.

In the nick of time

The move will delight Real‘s fans, with the 28-year-old turning down rivals Atletico Madrid to join in a package worth €60million (£51.8m).

And there is another reason for Madridista’s to be thrilled at Cucurella’s arrival, as he now becomes their first and only Spanish representative at this summer’s World Cup.

When Luis de la Fuente first announced Spain’s 26-man roster in May, it didn’t feature a single Real Madrid player.

This marked a first in the club and Spanish national team’s history, with previous editions always seeing a player from the European giants on the plane.

However, on this occasion, their two most likely candidates – Dean Huijsen and Dani Carvajal – were both left out.

To rub salt in their wounds, eight players from bitter rivals Barcelona were selected for the tournament.

Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal was named in De la Fuente’s squad, and was on the bench to begin with against Cape Verde as he continues his comeback from a hamstring injury.

So too were Pedri, Gavi and Ferran Torres, with all three starting in the Group H opener, while Dani Olmo, Eric Garcia and Joan Garcia were on the bench.

But Cucurella’s introduction means Real were spared an unwanted piece of history, who now flies the club’s flag out in North America.

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Cucurella joins Real Madrid

Cucurella leaves Chelsea four years after signing from Brighton in a £60m move.

The 27-year-old made 163 appearances across all competitions for the Blues, scoring nine goals and assisting 13.

During his time at Stamford Bridge, he won the Club World Cup and Conference League.

Cucurella’s departure comes after he said he had held encouraging talks with new Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso, despite previously leaving the door open for a move back to now-rivals Barcelona.

Confirming the sale on Monday morning, a Chelsea statement read: “Marc Cucurella has completed a permanent transfer to Spanish LaLiga side Real Madrid.”

Before adding: “Everyone at Chelsea FC would like to thank Marc for his efforts during his time at the club and for the role he played in our recent achievements.

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“We wish him every success as he begins the next stage of his career.”

While Cucurella prepares for life under new Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho, for now his focus is on helping Spain to a second World Cup triumph.

The European champions are among the favourites for glory in the USA, Canada and Mexico, having previously triumphed in 2010.

After their Cape Verde test, La Rioja will face Saudi Arabia on Sunday, before their final group game against Uruguay on Saturday, June 27.