Spain defender Marc Cucurella has taken to social media to respond to criticism made by Gary Neville at the start of Euro 2024.
On Sunday evening, La Roja concluded one of the most impressive European Championship campaigns in history, recording a 2-1 triumph over England in the final in Berlin.
Not only did Spain become the first team to lift the trophy for the fourth time, Luis de la Fuente's side won all seven of their matches in Berlin.
On the same day that Spain convincing defeated Croatia by a 3-0 scoreline on matchday one, an eye-catching comment came from Neville, who has been working for ITV throughout the tournament.
The former England defender claimed: "I think he (Cucurella) is one of the reasons I think Spain probably can't go all the way."
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Cucurella responds with his feet before his words
At the start of the 2023-24 campaign, Cucurella was considered to be on the periphery with both Chelsea and Spain to the extent where his club were prepared to loan out their £62m signing.
Instead, Cucurella came back from ankle surgery in the middle of the season to play a key role during Chelsea's run-in, making him the undisputed first-choice left-back ahead of Ben Chilwell and Levi Colwill.
That was rewarded with a place in De La Fuente's squad and a spot ahead of the impressive Alex Grimaldo in the first XI. Cucurella subsequently started six games, only missing out against Albania in the group stages when he was rested.
Cucurella had already gained widespread plaudits for his defensive performances before the final, where the 25-year-old again impressed before supplying the assist for Mikel Oyarzabal's late winning goal.
On the back of the celebrations with his teammates, Cucurella made time after the match to take aim at Neville on social media.
🇪🇸 Marc Cucurella replies to Gary Neville: "We went all the way, Gary. Thanks for your support". pic.twitter.com/RXYw9sMkaf
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 14, 2024
What now for Cucurella?
While Cucurella missed out on the Player of the Tournament award to teammate Rodri, there is every expectation that he will be selected in the Team of the Tournament.
Cucurella's stock has risen to such an extent that many will view him as the standout left-back in Europe at the present time, potentially bringing transfer interest his way.
However, both Cucurella and his agent have indicated that he is happy with life at Chelsea having successfully overcome a difficult first 18 months at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea also have no interest in a sale. Cucurella will now take a break, one that may extend into next month, before commencing pre-season training ahead of the Premier League commencing in the middle of August.
Darren Plant
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