The recent transfer of Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid has sparked numerous reactions within Spanish football circles, with a notable comment coming from Atletico Madrid's midfielder, Alex Baena.
Baena and Cucurella share a close personal friendship away from the pitch, leading Baena to post a message on social media that many interpreted as a humorous acknowledgment of Cucurella's move to Real Madrid. The post, featuring a photo of the two Spanish teammates, was captioned, "Last month as friends," and quickly garnered significant attention due to the intense rivalry between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.
Both players are currently representing Spain at the World Cup, where the camaraderie within the national squad has become a prominent narrative. Despite competing for rival clubs throughout the season, footballers from Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and other teams continue to foster strong bonds. When asked by Mundo Deportivo about his social media jest and his tendency to playfully tease Real Madrid fans, Baena clarified that his relationship with Cucurella remains exceptionally close. He affectionately stated, "I love him to bits. He's the kind of person everyone likes. Personally, I wish him all the success, except when our clubs face each other."
Baena holds immense respect for Cucurella, not only as a friend but also as a footballer, asserting that the defender has undeniably earned his opportunity to join one of the world's most prestigious clubs. The Atletico Madrid midfielder believes the Spain international deserves recognition for his impressive development over recent years and expressed confidence in his ability to flourish at the Santiago Bernabeu. "I think he deserves this move because he has proven himself to be a top player, one of the best full-backs globally. I hope he performs exceptionally well, and that he and his family find great happiness in Madrid. We'll undoubtedly see each other around," Baena concluded, reflecting on a bond that transcends club affiliations.
