Cucurella jokes he may never leave Spain after more away boos

Marc Cucurella joked that he may have to remain in Spain if the hostile reception he receives at away grounds continues, after helping Spain beat Croatia 2-1 in the Nations League.

Spain secured victory in the fourth round of the competition’s group stage at Croatia’s home stadium, with Cucurella producing another impressive performance.

The Real Madrid player has featured in three of Spain’s four matches, having been rested for the game against the Czech Republic. His latest appearance came after he helped his country win the European Championship.

Speaking to the media in the mixed zone after the match, Cucurella was asked about the jeers directed at him in stadiums outside Spain.

“In the end, I won’t be able to leave Spain if this continues,” he said with a smile.

He added: “These things happen and stay on the pitch. I have never had any problems before, and it is part of the job. They were playing at home and the stadium was completely full.”

Cucurella was also involved in a light-hearted incident during the match when he picked up the red card the referee had dropped while walking towards Ivan Perisic to show it to him.

Asked whether he had been tempted to take Perisic’s dismissal for himself, Cucurella said: “It was just a coincidence. I saw that the referee had dropped it, and I had to give it back to him.”

The win strengthened Spain’s position in the Nations League, with the team having already secured qualification for the quarter-finals with two group-stage matches still to play.

Cucurella said Spain must maintain the response they have shown in their recent matches.

“We have to maintain the team’s reaction because, once again, we showed why we are one of the best teams in the world,” he said.