Marc Cucurella questions Noni Madueke Chelsea decision after Arsenal transfer

Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella has questioned why Noni Madueke did not remain at the Club World Cup for the final.

Throughout the tournament in the United States, Madueke continued to represent the Blues while there was ongoing speculation regarding his future.

In the days after Chelsea defeated Fluminense to reach the showpiece event, the winger left the squad to finalise a transfer to Arsenal.

At the same time, Chelsea produced a famous first-half performance to run out 3-0 victors over Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain.

Cucurella questions Madueke decision

In a question and answer session with children at his academy in Spain, Cucurella was asked whether he thought Madueke's decision was 'strange.

The left-back replied: "Yes, I think so. I think he missed a good opportunity (although) he wasn’t playing as a starter.

"I do think it was because of everything that was happening regarding his future and in the end I think it could have delayed him a couple of days since he left a day early or something like that.

"It wouldn’t have cost him anything to wait for that next day. In the end I think he missed a pretty good opportunity."

At the time, there were widespread reports that Chelsea and Arsenal had settled on a fee, putting all parties in a difficult position given the size of the deal.

Where is Madueke's winners medal?

During the same Q & A, Cucurella joked that the medal that United States president Donald Trump was seen putting in his pocket was Madueke's.

That comment can be perceived to be a joke, but Madueke is entitled to a piece of silverware having accumulated 198 minutes across five appearances.

Enzo Maresca opted to continuing using the England international for the quarter-finals and semi-finals respectively against Palmeiras and Fluminense.

Despite now being an Arsenal player, Madueke did not feature in the pre-season friendly against AC Milan on Wednesday with the wide player being handed an extended break.

Written by
Darren Plant