MY ACCOUNT
Marc Cucurella believes he can produce the best football of his career at Chelsea under “big fan” Thomas Tuchel.
The Spaniard caught the eye during a stunning first season in the Premier League with Brighton last term.
That fine form saw Manchester City make a move for the versatile left-back but Chelsea won the race to sign him earlier this month for £60million.
And Cucurella, 24, is looking forward to proving his worth having been handed a six-year deal at Stamford Bridge.
He said: “Well I think maybe it’s a long time, but maybe that will allow me to play my best football at the club.
“It’s good because I’m not pressured, in my mind, it’s not like it’s a six-month deal or something — there’s a chance to play for the team and enjoy my football.
“Of course, a contract is only paper, but I’ve come here to stay for many more years.”
Cucurella’s long-term deal could be the first of many that new owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital hand to younger stars such as Mason Mount and Reece James.
The England duo came through the ranks at the Bridge and there is a growing feeling the Blues want to tie them down for as long as possible.
Boss Thomas Tuchel rates the pair highly — and it appears he has also been a fan of Cucurella’s for some time.
The former Seagulls ace added: “He [Tuchel] said he saw me when I was playing in the Barcelona academy. And I’m very surprised he’s a big fan.
“He told me I need to work hard now and that he’s very happy to have me here.
“Chelsea have given me this opportunity and I need to work hard to meet that.
“This is a big responsibility for me but I’m happy because Todd and the gaffer have shown a lot of interest and faith in me.”
After making his first start for Chelsea in the 2-2 draw with Tottenham last weekend, Cucurella will hope to keep his place in Tuchel’s line-up when the Blues head to Leeds on Sunday.
