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Marc Cucurella has said it was an easy decision to leave Chelsea for "Europe's biggest club" Real Madrid this summer.
Cucurella, who came through the Barcelona youth system, had been linked with a return to Camp Nou late last season, before Real Madrid stepped in and secured the Chelsea left back for a reported $69.4 million (£51.8 million, €60 million).
"It's an honor," Cucurella told club media after returning from a post-World Cup holiday. "Not many people can say they've worn this shirt.
"We've witnessed great legends here, it's a club with tremendous history, the greatest in Europe. Being here today is a privilege, an honor and above all, a reward for everything I've put into my career."
He continued: "As a young kid starting out in football, then getting the chance to play for a club of this stature, it's very difficult to say no. When the opportunity arrived, I didn't think twice.
"As a fan, I've watched all those incredible nights, those famous comebacks at the Bernabéu, all the Champions League trophies they've won. Having the opportunity to live it first-hand and be part of it is a massive responsibility, but also a truly wonderful and significant challenge."
Why Real Madrid Spent Big on Cucurella
At the time of Cucurella's move to Madrid, Los Blancos actually had four left backs on their roster, one of whom was Álvaro Carreras, the 23-year-old who was brought in for $58.4 million just the previous summer.
Carreras had impressed at Benfica but failed to carry that form over to the Bernabéu. Toward the end of the season under Álvaro Arbeloa, Carreras found himself on the bench, with Ferland Mendy and Fran García receiving the bulk of the playing time.
Mendy had been a reliable defensive presence for Madrid before a serious knee injury sustained in May sidelined him. Early reports indicated Mendy could face up to a year on the sidelines, though a four-to-five month recovery window has since been suggested as a more likely timeline.
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With Mendy out and neither Carreras nor García instilling much confidence defensively, Mourinho decided he required another experienced head at the back. The 28-year-old Cucurella was quickly pinpointed as Mourinho's top target. A deal was completed just as swiftly to bring him to the Bernabéu, with García subsequently departing.
Despite facing widespread criticism during his early spell at Chelsea, Cucurella eventually cemented himself as one of the Blues' standout performers, making his mark both offensively and defensively.
Cucurella then featured in every minute of Spain's triumphant World Cup campaign, contributing three assists while conceding just one goal, demonstrating his ability to thrive in a different system as well.