“Before it was Ronaldinho, now it’s people like me” - Chelsea star Cucurella feels ‘football is changing’ with people idolising him

Chelsea star Marc Cucurella believes football is changing with people starting to idolize players like him and not just dribblers and goal-scorers. The defender won the Euro 2024 tournament this summer with Spain and has become a hit with fans for his infectious personality.

The Spaniard came through Barcelona's iconic La Masia academy before stints at Eibar, Getafe, and Brighton and Hove Albion led him to west London. He moved to Stamford Bridge from the South Coast side in the summer of 2022 for a reported fee of €65.3million and has played 5006 minutes for the side across 66 games.

Speaking about his popularity with the fans in a recent interview with The Guardian, the Chelsea defender said:

“Before it was Ronaldinho and now it’s people like … well, me, So they say. A bit, maybe. What I am is a fun bloke. It’s not that I am cracking jokes all the time but there is a happiness. Being with me is all right, you know? You have a good time. For me to have become people’s idol, in speech marks, is nice."

Cucurella concluded, saying:

“Maybe in the past people only liked forwards, players who dribbled or scored goals. If they’re buying my shirt or doing banners for me, then maybe football is changing. Something is.”

Cucurella is currently with the Spanish team to play in the UEFA Nations League after La Roja's successful campaign in the European Championships this summer. He has made 11 appearances for his country so far and provided an assist in the final in Berlin to help his country to their fourth Euro title.

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"We’re very lucky we have him" Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella hails teammate

Chelsea star Marc Cucurella has hailed his teammate Cole Palmer in a recent interview. The England international has established himself as one of the best players in the Premier League currently.

The pair have played 2533 minutes across 31 games and combined for a goal. Cucurella has been impressed by his teammate, telling The Guardian:

"If you see him not in his kit you would never in your life say he was a footballer, but then on the pitch … he shoots and it doesn’t seem like he is hitting it hard but he scores them all. He’s very different. I don’t know how to explain it: he’s special. We’re very lucky we have him."

The left-back concluded, saying:

“We’re lucky he didn’t play much in the Euros either because he came on and almost messed it up for us [scoring in the final]. If he carries on like this, he’ll be among the best. There’s not much strength in the hair, but if that’s his only problem, then he’s all right.”

Cucurella and Palmer return to action for Chelsea after the international break when the west London club face Liverpool at Anfield. They currently occupy the fourth place on the table.