In an exclusive interview, Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella has opened up about his departure from Brighton & Hove Albion, calling it one of his biggest regrets. Since joining Chelsea in August 2022 for a record fee, Cucurella has achieved success in the Premier League but admits that his memories of Brighton and the unwavering support of its fans will always hold a special place in his heart.
Cucurella’s journey began in Alella, Barcelona, where he showcased his talent in futsal before joining Espanyol’s youth teams in 2006. His move to FC Barcelona in 2012 marked the start of a promising career. He made his senior debut with Barcelona B in 2016 and continued to develop, eventually making his professional debut for the first team. After a successful loan spell at SD Eibar, Cucurella signed permanently with the Basque club before being loaned to Getafe, where he made his mark in La Liga.
In August 2021, Cucurella joined Brighton, where he quickly became a fan favorite. “The fan base at Brighton is incredible,” he stated. “They embraced me from day one, and I felt their love and support on and off the pitch.” During his time with the Seagulls, he made significant contributions, including scoring his first goal for the club in a 4-0 victory over Manchester United, and winning the Player of the Season award for his impressive performances.
However, Cucurella’s journey took a turn when he signed with Chelsea for a fee reported to be around £55 million, potentially rising to £62 million. While the move to a club of Chelsea’s stature was a dream for many players, Cucurella admits that he misses the sense of belonging he felt at Brighton. “People see you at a big club like Chelsea and think you’re living the dream, enjoying the big money and fame. But the memories I created at Brighton, and the love I received from the fans, will forever be in my heart,” he said.
Cucurella’s time at Chelsea has brought its own set of challenges and opportunities. Since joining, he has played a crucial role in the team’s success, including being named Player of the Match in a pivotal Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund and scoring his first goal for the club in an FA Cup quarter-final against Leicester City. “I’m grateful for the opportunities Chelsea has given me, but there are days when I reflect on my time at Brighton and think about what could have been,” he admitted.
As he continues to establish himself in Chelsea’s lineup, Cucurella remains grateful for his experiences at Brighton. “The city, the fans, and the club’s culture are something I deeply miss. I loved every moment of my time there,” he stated. His connection with the Brighton supporters is evident, and he has taken to social media to express his gratitude, declaring, “I love you Brighton fans forever.”
Despite his success in London, Cucurella’s heart remains with Brighton, and he dreams of a potential return one day. “Football is unpredictable, and while I’m focused on my current career, I would love to come back to Brighton. The fans deserve to see the best version of me,” he said.
Cucurella’s story serves as a reminder of the emotional connections players form with clubs and their supporters. “Every player has a journey, and mine has had its ups and downs. But I will always cherish my time at Brighton and the love I received there,” he reflected.
As he navigates his career with Chelsea, Marc Cucurella remains a player to watch, not just for his on-field talent, but for the passion he brings to the game and the deep appreciation he holds for the places he has played. For now, he is focused on contributing to Chelsea’s success, but the memories of Brighton and its devoted fans will always stay with him. “Brighton will always have a piece of my heart,” he concluded.
