Marc Cucurella hits out at Noni Madueke over Chelsea exit – and reveals who has his Club World Cup medal

Marc Cucurella believes Noni Madueke made a mistake leaving Chelsea’s camp at the Club World Cup early.

The winger returned to England from the tournament in order to complete a £52million move to London rivals Arsenal.

Madueke had featured in five of Chelsea’s six matches to help them reach the final in the USA.

However, he had already left the squad by the time they beat Paris Saint-Germain in the showpiece clash.

The 23-year-old has since penned a five-year deal with the Gunners through to the summer of 2030.

Cucurella discussed Madueke’s exit during a Q&A with young players at his football academy in Spain.

Asked if he thought the decision was ‘strange’, he 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.”

The Spaniard then joked that President Donald Trump now has Madueke’s winners’ medal instead.

He added: “He put it in his pocket. He has it there in the White House, very well placed.”

Trump had presented the Club World Cup trophy to Blues captain Reece James following the final.

The US President then remained on the podium as the Chelsea players celebrated their win in a moment which quickly went viral.

Madueke had spent two-and-a-half years at Stamford Bridge after signing in January 2023.

During that time he made 92 appearances, scoring 20 goals, with 63 of those appearances coming alongside Cucurella.

The forward will have to wait to make his Arsenal debut, though, after being left out of the squad for their pre-season tour of Asia.

Madueke has been given time off due to his involvement in the Club World Cup.

He will instead join up with his new team-mates when they return to London.

As a result, his first appearance could come against Villarreal at the Emirates Stadium on August 6.