I already have my Chelsea exit planned - despite Enzo Maresca revival

Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella has admitted that he would like to return to Spain at some point in his career despite reviving his spell at Stamford Bridge.

Cucurella has endured a difficult spell in west London since completing his £60million move from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2022. He was a regular in his first season before struggling to nail down a position under Mauricio Pochettino last term.

After helping Spain win the European Championships in the summer, the 26-year-old has played all but one Premier League game this season under Enzo Maresca.

In last week's 1-1 draw with Arsenal, Cucurella earned plaudits for his defensive display against Arsenal to keep Bukayo Saka quiet. He is currently away with Luis de la Fuente's Spain side for their UEFA Nations League fixtures with Denmark and Switzerland.

The chance to return to Spain has resulted in him speaking to the local press about the difficulties he has faced in the last few years. When speaking to Radioestadio Noche, he also dropped a hint over his next move.

"I was doing very well at Chelsea and [Jose] Gaya hadn't fully recovered from his injury, a lot of factors have to come together to be at a European Championship," he said. "It wasn't an easy season because I was injured for three months and at the end a cycle of hard work and suffering came to an end with that call up for the European Championship."

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He added: "It was a tough few months, but in the end, you learn from everything. Now I'm in a very good moment and the fans are very supportive.

"Now I'm very well in London. The family has adapted very well, and the club seems to be starting to work. In the future I would like to return to Spain."