Marc Cucurella jokes refs 'are going after him' after breaking England hearts at Euro 2024
Marc Cucurella enjoyed Euro 2024 success with Spain in the summer to break England hearts and the former Brighton star believes it has resulted in him receiving more attention
by Scott Trotter · The MirrorMarc Cucurella believes he could be receiving a little more attention from referees this season, following Spain's success over England in the Euro 2024 final.
The Chelsea defender enjoyed an impressive tournament to help Los Rojos to European success and provided the assist for Mikel Oyarzabal's winning goal to hit back at his critics with an emphatic response. Cucurella has continued to build upon this momentum and established himself as a regular starter for the Blues under Enzo Maresca since returning from the tournament in Germany.
The Spaniard has already picked up five yellow cards in just seven Premier League matches this season however. As a result, he will miss Chelsea's trip to Anfield to face Liverpool after the international break, through suspension.
The decision to caution him, on occasion has appeared unusual. The most recent incident saw him shown a yellow despite him being the one to be pushed.
The former Brighton star believes he has received more recognition on and off the field since helping Spain break English hearts. While on international duty, Cucurella was asked whether he now has more negative attention paid to him from officials, and why he draws negativity from opposition supporters.
He told Spanish publication COPE: "Well, I've already been suspended for five yellow cards and I've committed few fouls; they're going after me a bit. They jump on me quickly, especially when we play away. It's normal, we won, I was involved in the goal, I'm playing at their home... it's normal, they're hurt."
Cucurella still appreciates his summer success however and recognises that it is a moment that will remain with him, even in difficult times. "It's very different, yes," he explained.
"In the end you always have a bad day and in the end you say, well, I won the Euros, so it's quickly resolved. In the end it's still normal, your day to day life, but it's true, you have more impact, many more people know you, in the end being European champion I think is a historic thing and in the end you're always going to take it with you."
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