Marc Cucurella has suggested that he might be under increased scrutiny from referees this season, following Spain's victory over England in the Euro 2024 final.
Cucurella had a standout performance in the tournament, assisting Los Rojos to European glory and setting up Mikel Oyarzabal's decisive goal, thereby silencing his detractors. Since returning from the tournament in Germany, he has maintained this momentum and secured a regular starting position for Chelsea under Enzo Maresca.
However, the Spaniard has already been shown five yellow cards in just seven Premier League games this season. Consequently, he will be absent from Chelsea's match against Liverpool at Anfield after the international break due to suspension.
Some of the decisions to caution him have seemed odd. In the most recent incident, he was booked despite being the one who was pushed.
The ex-Brighton star feels he has gained more recognition both on and off the pitch since helping Spain shatter English dreams. While on international duty, Cucurella was questioned about whether he now attracts more negative attention from officials and why he incites negativity from rival fans.
Speaking to Spanish outlet COPE, he said: "Well, I've already been suspended for five yellow cards and I've committed few fouls; they're going after me a bit. They jump on me quickly, especially when we play away. It's normal, we won, I was involved in the goal, I'm playing at their home... it's normal, they're hurt."
Despite the challenges, Cucurella cherishes his summer triumph and acknowledges that it will always be a part of him, even during tough times. "It's very different, yes," he admitted.
"In the end you always have a bad day and in the end you say, well, I won the Euros, so it's quickly resolved. In the end it's still normal, your day to day life, but it's true, you have more impact, many more people know you, in the end being European champion I think is a historic thing and in the end you're always going to take it with you."
