In a recent interview, Chelsea defender Cucurelia shared his feelings and changes after winning the Europa League with Spain. He confessed that the honor not only made him more visible and influential, but also gave his opponents a better understanding of him.
Cucurelia said, "Becoming a Europa League winner is a historic moment and such an honor will stay with me forever. Since winning the title, there has been a real increase in the outside world's attention on me, I have become more visible and influential. At the same time, opponents have started to understand me better and study my style of play and characteristics."
Speaking on how the change has affected his campaign in the Premier League, Cucurelia revealed that he has received more "special treatment" in the game. He said: "In the Premier League, I got a one-match ban for accumulating five yellow cards. In fact, I usually seldom commit fouls, but since winning the Europa League, opponents seem to pay more attention to me. They come at me faster in matches, especially when playing away from home. They want to disrupt my rhythm by pressing and fouling, which is normal. After all, we won the game, I was involved in the goal, and it was on their home field, so it's understandable that they felt hurt and angry."
Despite facing more challenges and pressures, Cucurelia said he will remain calm and focused to continue contributing to the Chelsea team. He said, "I know that as a professional player, I have to stay calm and focused at all times. No matter what kind of opponent or situation I face, I will give my best to win for the team. I believe that as long as we are united and work hard, we will be able to overcome all difficulties and achieve better results."
