Chelsea skipper Reece James was ‘devastated’ to see Marc Cucurella leave the club.
Cucurella moved to European giants Real Madrid from the Blues in a deal worth €55million (£47.5m) and €5m (£4.3m) in add-ons.
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It brought an end to the left-back’s four-year stint in west London in which he won the Club World Cup and Conference League.
What was James’ reaction to Cucurella’s exit?
Speaking exclusively to talkSPORT from England’s World Cup base in Kansas City, James opened up on the impact of Cucurella’s departure.
“Yeah, I spoke with him a few days ago,” James said.
“You know, he’s obviously an amazing player, one of the best left-backs in the world, for sure.
“This is football. Players move every few months and I’m devastated to see him go. But I wish him all the best.”
With Cucurella now gone, it means new Blues boss Xabi Alonso has a glaring hole to fill in the defence.
Luckily for Alonso, Jorrel Hato is steadily improving at Stamford Bridge, meanwhile Argentina international Valentin Barco will join from sister club Strasbourg.
There are also high hopes for 19-year-old prodigy Geovany Quenda, who links up from Portuguese side Sporting.
Regardless of who ends up as Cucurella’s replacement, it promises to be an exciting new era with Alonso at the helm.
The Spaniard is the sixth different permanent manager since BlueCo took over Chelsea and replaces Liam Rosenior, who was axed in April.
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What has James heard about Alonso?
James is yet to meet his new manager in person, but has held conversations with Alonso over the phone.
And the England international can’t wait to start working with the former Real Madrid manager having heard plenty of glowing reviews.
“Everyone I’ve spoken to about him (Alonso) says he’s an amazing manager, more known from his playing career,” James said.
“He had an amazing career and I’m excited to work with him.”
James will also do his best not to get overawed by Alonso’s presence at Cobham given he grew up watching the silky Spaniard knock the ball around with ease for Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Real during his legendary playing days.
Even though it will be a ‘strange’ feeling to take instructions from someone who only retired as a player in 2017, it’s not the first time James has experienced a similar situation.
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“I had it when I was younger with Frank Lampard,” James said.
“He was one of my idols growing up. And then, when he stepped in as manager, it was a surreal moment.
“As I said, I’m delighted that Xabi Alonso is our manager and I’m excited.”