Marc Cucurella has issued a 10-word response to Gary Neville after the Chelsea star had the last laugh following Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph.
Neville has come under fire again for his prediction for Spain at Euro 2024 following the final between Spain and England.
The Three Lions fell 2-1 in Berlin on Sunday night, with Mikel Oyarzabal scoring a goal with just a few minutes remaining to condemn England to their second Euro final defeat in two tournaments.
They looked to have the momentum on their side when Cole Palmer equalised in the second half, but Cucurella was on hand to put in a pinpoint cross for Oyarzabal to finish from just yards out.
It was Cucurella whom Neville had criticised in the early stages of the tournament, and the Chelsea player’s inclusion in the Spain squad surprised many.
Marc Cucurella has issued a 10-word response to Gary Neville following his Euro 2024 prediction
Neville claimed that Cucurella’s place in the Spanish national team was the reason they failed to go far in Germany
A fan told Neville not to “speak too soon” about X after Cucurella provided an assist in the final.
He started all but one of his team’s matches, acting as the tournament’s standout left-back and helping Spain to its fourth Euro victory.
Earlier in Spain’s run, Neville, who had been working as a pundit for ITV throughout the tournament in Germany, said: “He hasn’t been convincing at Chelsea. He’s played a few games towards the end of the season.
“He is aggressive, tenacious, he is a small and very active full-back. His price tag continues to amaze everyone to this day.
“The Spanish defence is very experienced, but Spain lacks something that makes you feel like they will go all the way. I have to say that their left-back position is a good example of why we think that way.”
And Cucurella took to social media shortly after the match to leave Neville blushing.
In a photo of Neville’s comments, Cucurella simply replied: “We’ve come all the way, Gary. Thanks for your support.”
Fans wasted no time in taking to X to mock the former defender, with one posting: ‘Gary Neville said Cucurella is the reason Spain won’t go far but Cucurella will become the architect of the winning goal against Neville’s England if it ends this way.
“This life has no balance. Don’t speak too soon.”
Another posted: ‘He just created the goal to beat England and win the whole tournament,’ accompanied by a smiley face emoji.
Neville’s words were echoed by fans, with Cucurella starting six of Spain’s seven games.
Cucurella has had some tough times in his two years at Chelsea since joining from Brighton.
A third added: “Congratulations to Marc Cucurella and Spain, condolences to Conor Gallagher and Cole Palmer. Hilarious that the ‘weak link’ Gary Neville chose was the defender of the tournament and assisted the winning goal.”
“His bias is disgraceful and Chelsea fans should ignore him.”
Cucurella has had his ups and downs at Chelsea after joining from Brighton for £62m two years ago, with the club in a period of transition under its fourth permanent manager since taking charge that summer.
However, he was one of the stars of the final, with a 92 per cent passing accuracy, creating a great chance and getting an assist.
He has made a total of 50 appearances for the Blues, who have finished 12th and sixth in his two years at the club.
Competing with Ben Chilwell and Levi Colwill for the left-back spot, he found himself out of the squad at times but finished the season as first choice and looks set to stay there after his performances for his country this summer.