Marc Cucurella says he will retire from Spain if they win World Cup
text_fields
New York: Spain defender Marc Cucurella has revealed he will retire from international football if Spain defeat defending champions Argentina in Sunday's FIFA World Cup final, saying there would be little left for him to achieve after winning both the UEFA European Championship and the World Cup.
The 27-year-old has been one of Spain's standout performers throughout the tournament, playing every minute as Luis de la Fuente's side reached the final while conceding just one goal in seven matches.
Speaking ahead of the title clash at MetLife Stadium, Cucurella said winning football's biggest prize would be the perfect way to end his international career.
"If we win the World Cup, I'll call Luis the next day and tell him not to count on me anymore, that I'm retiring from the national team. With a European Championship and a World Cup, I can't do any better," Cucurella told French daily L'Équipe.
Cucurella was a key figure in Spain's triumphant UEFA Euro 2024 campaign and has carried that form into the World Cup, helping La Roja boast the tournament's strongest defence.
Spain began their campaign with a goalless draw against Cabo Verde before registering six consecutive victories, including knockout wins over Austria, Portugal, Belgium and France, to reach their first World Cup final since 2010.
The Chelsea full-back also revealed another promise if Spain lift the trophy. He said he would get a tattoo of Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente's face on his bicep in recognition of the manager's role in transforming the national team into one of the world's best.
"I would get a little tattoo of Spain manager Luis de la Fuente's face on my bicep if we were to win the World Cup," Cucurella said.
Spain will now aim to deny Lionel Messi's Argentina a successful World Cup title defence while chasing their own second world crown. If La Roja emerge victorious, Sunday's final could mark Cucurella's last appearance for the national team if he follows through on his retirement pledge.
With IANS inputs