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After assisting Spain in winning Euro 2024, MARC CUCURELLA has responded to Gary Neville’s pre-tournament criticism of him.
Spain won their fourth European Championship Thursday night in Berlin after defeating England 2-1.
However, Neville, a former Manchester United player, called attention to the Chelsea defender early in the competition, suggesting he might be La Roja’s weak point.
“He’s not been convincing at Chelsea,” he said to ITV. Towards the remainder of the season, he participated in a few games.
“A busy little full back, he’s combative and aggressive. Even now, everyone is still amazed by the price tag.
“Spain’s defense has a lot of experience now, but there’s still something lacking that gives you the impression that they’re going to win everything.
“I have to say that him being at left back is a good example of why we think that.”
With the exception of the third group stage match, the 25-year-old proved to be everything but a weak link throughout the tournament.
Additionally, Cucurella continued to play every minute of football from the semifinals through the championship game.
And if his continuously strong performances weren’t enough to beat Neville, he added the icing on the cake by providing the assist for Mikel Oyarzabal’s late winner.
Cucurella sent a playful message to Neville on Instagram after the last celebrations.
He posted the Neville quotation along with a picture of himself having a good time and the words, “We went all the way, Gary. I appreciate your help.
The former Brighton player completed it with a series of winking, kissing emojis, a trophy, a love heart, and the Spanish flag.
Claudia Rodriguez, his partner, also responded to Neville’s clap-back by asking, “How was your night, @gneville2?”
After joining Chelsea for £62 million after leaving the Seagulls, Cucurella has had a hit-or-miss first two seasons.
Cucurella, however, finally settled in toward the conclusion of the previous campaign under Mauricio Pochettino and emerged as a vital component of the Blues’ late-season charge up the standings to ultimately finish seventh.
