Marc Cucurella believes fans judged him and some of his team-mates because of the money Chelsea paid for them and that they struggle to understand they are just normal people.
Cucurella is currently preparing for arguably the biggest game of his career as Spain take on England in the final of Euro 2024 in Berlin on Sunday.
The 25-year-old has carried his end of season form onto the international stage and hasn’t just been a standout performer for Spain, he’s also been one of the best players at the tournament.
Cucurella feels people judged him due his price tag
The Spain international has had some resurgence given his struggles in his first season at Chelsea and the start of the last campaign.
The left back was booed by Chelsea supporters at times during his first season and almost joined Manchester United on loan last summer, but the move fell through.
Cucurella didn’t start the season in the side and had to bide his time for his opportunity which came due to injuries to other and he impressed when given the chance.
He spent over two months out with an ankle injury over Christmas and the new year, but really came into his own over the final six games of the season following a tactical switch which saw him invert into midfield when the Blues were in possession.
The former Brighton man is very much a fan favourite now with Chelsea supporters chanting his name from the stands, but he feels fans judged him because of the money the club paid for him.
“Fans judged me and some other team-mates by the price Chelsea paid for us, which has nothing to do with me,” he told The Athletic.
“If that money had gone straight into my pocket maybe that would have been fair!
“People expect that, with certain price tags, you need to be a machine.
“Sometimes it’s difficult to understand that we are normal people who have our own problems off the pitch. We have worse and better phases in our lives.”
Cucurella will likely play a key role under Enzo Maresca given he can invert into midfield and play left side of a back three, and he’s got every chance of starting the season as Chelsea’s first choice left back.
