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Marc Cucurella has confirmed his commitment to fulfilling one of the most unusual promises at the World Cup following Spain’s final victory over Argentina.
The left-back confirmed he will get a tattoo of coach Luis de la Fuente’s face after La Roja were crowned champions at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
A promise etched on his skin
Before Spain’s journey in the tournament began, Cucurella made that clear Cadena COPE what his personal sacrifice would be if they achieved the ultimate honour, saying: “If we win the World Cup, I’ll get a tattoo of Luis de la Fuente’s face.”
After the final whistle of Spain’s 1-0 win over Argentina on Sunday, and with his championship medal around his neck, Real Madrid’s new defender quickly took to social media to begin the search for the artist to carry out the job, posting: “Any tattoo artist in the room?”
The tattoo placement dilemma
Despite his determination to keep his promise, the Spanish full-back admitted he still has some logistical doubts about getting the tattoo.
“I don’t know yet. I have to think about where to get it,” Cucurella told Marca in the mixed zone. “People will also ask me, so it doesn’t have to be in a visible place, but oh well. I think we have a long journey ahead of us now, I hope they give me ideas, I will think about it and then I have to do it.”
De la Fuente also commented on the matter during the celebration after the World Cup title. Far from trying to dissuade his players from such aesthetic follies, the coach stressed the importance of integrity and keeping one’s word, saying: “I already told them they were wrong. And if you make a promise, you have to keep it. I’m not that ugly either.”
Overcoming criticism through global success
Beyond the tattoo anecdote, Cucurella took advantage of this moment of pure joy to reflect on his journey to the top and the obstacles he had to overcome. “I’m very proud, very happy. At the end of the day, it’s not easy to be here. During our career, especially in our teenage years and when we’re young, it’s hard and you have to make decisions. Sometimes people tell you that you’re not good enough or that you’ll never make it,” the left-back confessed. “To all the people who tell you those things, I thank them for taking the time to give me their advice, as well as all the people who have helped me. We’ve been stubborn, we’ve never given up, and today we have the reward of being here.”
An unforgettable summer for the Spanish national team
Living together for nearly two months has created an unbreakable bond between the players, something Cucurella highlights as key to their eventual success against Argentina.
“This summer hasn’t been easy for us and I’m very happy… It’s been a long journey; we’ve been together for a long time and now it’s time to celebrate. We came here with a goal, we’ve spent almost 50 days in training camp and now it’s time to celebrate, be together and remember,” he said.
