Marc Cucurella says leaving Barcelona to play regular first-team football was one of the best decisions of his life – and it's ultimately what set the Spaniard on the path to joining Chelsea this summer in a deal worth £62million.
During his formative years in Barcelona's academy – which he joined from Catalan rivals Espanyol at 13 years old – the defender earned comparisons to club legend Carles Puyol. His tenacity was valued, his commitment lauded. Throw in Cucurella's technical prowess and few could deny a career in the professional game awaited the youngster.
"I understood I needed to go one step down to play a lot of minutes and play well. I think it was a long time - maybe four or five years – I stayed at maybe not the biggest clubs. But in my mind, I always focused on playing, and maybe one day I would have the opportunity [to sign with a big club]."
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