Marc Cucurella has silenced his doubters after playing a crucial role in his country's historic Euro 2024 victory. The 25-year-old defender, who faced criticism from former Manchester United player and ITV pundit Gary Neville, delivered outstanding performances throughout the tournament, culminating in a standout display in the final against England.
During the group stages, Gary Neville questioned Spain's chances of winning the tournament with Cucurella in the starting line-up. He pointed out the left-back's inconsistent season with Chelsea and suggested that his inclusion exemplified a weakness in the Spanish defence.
However, Cucurella used social media to respond to Neville's comments after Spain's triumph. He posted Neville's quote on Instagram, adding a caption that read, "We went all the way Gary. Thanks for your support," along with love heart, trophy, and Spanish flag emojis. Cucurella's partner, Claudia Rodriguez, also joined in, sharing a picture of the defender with the caption, "How was your night @gneville2?"
Cucurella on Instagram pic.twitter.com/cvJAwDaj9o
— TweetChelseaUK (@TweetChelseaUK) July 14, 2024
Under the guidance of coach Luis de la Fuente, Spain maintained a perfect record throughout Euro 2024, defeating powerhouse teams like Croatia, Italy, Germany, France, and England. Many of the players, including Rodri, Olmo, Merino, Oyarzabal, and Fabian, had previously worked with de la Fuente at the Under-19 and Under-21 levels, which proved to be a significant factor in their success.
Cucurella's consistent performances and his assist for Mikel Oyarzabal's winning goal in the final against England showcased his importance to the team. Despite a challenging season at Chelsea, the left-back's hard work and dedication shone through on the international stage.
Luis de la Fuente, initially mocked on social media as "Luis de la Who?" after his appointment, proved his critics wrong by leading Spain to their record fourth European Championship title. His familiarity with many of the squad members from his time coaching the Under-19 and Under-21 teams played a significant role in Spain's success.
Rodri, one of the key players in the team, reflected on the victory and the mentality of the squad, emphasising the importance of giving their best effort and making sacrifices to achieve their goals. He also highlighted the challenging path they took, beating four world champions consecutively to secure the title.
Marc Cucurella's journey from being a point of doubt to becoming a vital player in Spain's Euro 2024 victory is a story of resilience and redemption. As Spain celebrates their historic win, Cucurella can take pride in his crucial role in their success. His story proves that sometimes, the best response to criticism is to let your achievements speak for themselves, inspiring others to overcome obstacles and reach their goals.