I'm being targeted for international success - and it has led to unwanted Chelsea ban

Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella won Euro 2024 with Spain this summer, but he will miss the club's next Premier League match vs Liverpool after picking up five yellow cards.

Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella reckons he has become a target for opposition players - after his success with Spain at Euro 2024 - leading to an unwanted domestic suspension.

The 26-year-old started six of seven games for Luis de la Fuente's team at this summer's finals in Germany, as his nation won a fourth European Championship crown.

For Cucurella, who initially struggled at Stamford Bridge after his £60million move from Brighton in August 2022, that success has acted as a springboard for improved performances with the Blues this campaign - and he's soon become an important member of new manager Enzo Maresca's preferred starting XI.

That success, though, has come at a cost, with Cucurella believing he's now being targeted by opposition players when they face up against Chelsea in the Premier League and beyond.

Cucurella will miss Chelsea's next match against Liverpool after October's international break. The defender - and teammate Wesley Fofana - have already picked up five yellow cards apiece this season.

When asked by COPE about the consequences of him winning Euro 2024, Cucurella said: "You have more impact, people know you more. Being champion of the Euros is historic and you will always take it with you.

"I've already been suspended for five yellow cards and I've committed very few fouls, they're going after me a bit," he added when asked if that's had any impact across the Premier League.

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"They jump on me quickly, especially when we play away. It's normal, we won and I was involved in the play that led to the goal, I'm playing at their home. It's normal, they're hurt."

Cucurella will miss Chelsea's visit to Liverpool next weekend after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season in the recent 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest.