Cucurella jokes Germany boos will follow him ‘every time’

Marc Cucurella says Germany supporters have not forgiven him for the controversial incident involving Spain at Euro 2024 and believes he will never be able to play in the country without being booed.

“I know I will never be able to play in Germany. They remind me of it every time,” the Real Madrid and Spain player told Spanish radio station Kobe.

When it was suggested that the mistake had been made by the referee rather than by him, Cucurella replied: “Yes, yes, yes, without a doubt. But I do not know why they made me responsible and directed their anger at me. Anyway, that is how things are.”

He added jokingly: “I know I cannot play in Germany. I am very popular there.”

The incident occurred during Spain’s Euro 2024 quarter-final against Germany. With the score level at 1-1 in extra time, a shot from Jamal Musiala struck Cucurella’s hand inside the penalty area, but English referee Anthony Taylor did not award Germany a penalty.

The decision angered the home supporters, particularly after Spain went on to win 2-1 and eliminate Germany from the tournament. Mikel Merino scored the decisive goal in the final minute of extra time.

Cucurella subsequently became a target for German fans. He was booed whenever he touched the ball during Spain’s semi-final against France, while the hostility also followed him into club football during Real Madrid’s Champions League meeting with RB Leipzig.

Uefa later acknowledged in a report by its referees’ committee that the decision not to award Germany a penalty in the incident had been incorrect.

Cucurella has previously defended himself by saying he could not be held responsible for refereeing decisions. More than two years after Germany’s elimination, however, the incident continues to be associated with him.

Cucurella praises Real Madrid

Cucurella also described Real Madrid as the best team in Europe at present, following what he called a very strong run of results.

“We are currently the best team in Europe after producing a very good series of results, and the team is looking very serious,” he said in an interview with El Partidazo on Kobe radio.

Asked whether Real Madrid were better than Paris Saint-Germain, he added: “I do not watch their matches very often.”

Cucurella named Arda Guler as the Real Madrid player who had impressed him most, ahead of more obvious choices such as Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Thibaut Courtois.

“I could choose Mbappe, Bellingham or Courtois, but I want to mention a player I like very much who does not receive enough attention Arda Guler,” he said.

“He plays a lot and has great quality. When he is on the pitch, the team plays better and our passing becomes more connected. He is the player who has surprised me the most.”

Comparing Diomande with Vinicius Junior and the support they provide him on the pitch, Cucurella said: “I do not think Diomande helps me more than Vinicius, but what he does is more obvious.

“Diomande makes one run in behind, so you see him everywhere. Vinicius makes three runs, then there is one where he does not run, and that is the one everyone notices.”