Reece James laments Marc Cucurella’s £52m transfer to Real Madrid
Chelsea captain Reece James has admitted he is devastated following Marc Cucurella’s £52m transfer to Real Madrid ahead of the new season.
The Spain international recently completed a high-profile switch to the Santiago Bernabeu, ending his defensive stint at Stamford Bridge.
James confessed his profound sadness at seeing his former team-mate depart for the Spanish capital.
“I spoke with him a few days ago,” James said.
“He’s obviously an amazing player, one of the best left-backs in the world.”
“This is his football, you know, players move every few months, and I’m devastated to see him go, but I wish him all the best.”
Looking ahead under Xabi Alonso
Despite the high-profile defensive departure, the commanding full-back remains optimistic about the future under incoming head coach Xabi Alonso.
The former midfield maestro has taken the managerial reins in west London, representing a major coup for the Premier League side.
“We’ve spoken a couple times on the phone,” the England defender told talkSPORT.
“I haven’t met him in person yet, but everyone I’ve spoken to about him says he’s an amazing manager.”
The current situation mirrors James’ early career experiences, having previously been managed by another boyhood idol.
“I had it when I was younger with Frank Lampard,” he explained.
“He was one of my idols growing up, and then when he stepped in as manager, it was a surreal moment.”
Reunited with Tuchel on the global stage
While domestic club matters dominate headlines, the Chelsea academy graduate is currently focused on international duty at the World Cup.
The dynamic right-back recently earned widespread praise for his performance in a thrilling 4-2 victory over Croatia.
This major tournament campaign has reunited him with Thomas Tuchel, a tactician who previously guided him to European glory at club level.
“It’s been a dream come true for me,” James noted.
“I feel the manager trusts me, we worked together previously at Chelsea, we won trophies together, and I love playing under him.”
“If you look across the board of top managers, there are some that are solely football-focused, and then there are some that are very good man-managers.”
“For me, he ticks both the boxes.”
