Cucurella breaks down in tears while speaking about his autistic son: “I suffer, I don’t know how to help him”

Spanish international Marc Cucurella has once again found himself in the spotlight of the football world, but this time it had nothing to do with trophies, transfers or performances on the pitch.

The Spain left-back, who played a key role in La Roja’s World Cup triumph, showed a deeply personal side while opening up about his family’s private battle — life with his four-year-old son Mateo, who has autism.

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Cucurella and his wife Claudia Rodriguez have been speaking openly for some time about their experiences as parents, and the Chelsea defender-turned-Real Madrid player became emotional during a recent television appearance while talking about his son.

“This is the first time I have spoken about this. It is very difficult for me. I suffer a lot, I don’t know how to help him, especially when I see him in a bad state. I am an emotional person... I have to talk about it and share this experience,” Cucurella said.

Foto: AP/Tanjug

The Spanish footballer struggled to hold back his tears as he continued his heartfelt confession.

“This is a subject that, honestly, makes me very sensitive. But I am happy to be here because, after all, this is the first time I have spoken about it and shared my experience. Look what you have done to me... Ah, sorry, forgive me...” Cucurella said through tears.

Cucurella and Claudia Rodriguez have three children together — son Mateo, daughter Bella and another son, Rio.

His wife Claudia has previously spoken about the challenges their family faced after Mateo’s birth.

“Mateo was born four years ago and we noticed some things that were different compared to other children. We did not receive much help from the nursery, those were the hardest months. Every time we left him there, we cried. However, many things have changed. It is not easy to find the right place for school, therapy and nutrition,” Claudia explained.

Watch the emotional moment:

Cucurella had a special condition during Real Madrid talks

Cucurella made a major career move this summer, leaving Chelsea and completing a move to Madrid, where he will wear the Real Madrid shirt.

However, his priorities during negotiations were not only related to football.

One of the defender’s main conditions was that his new club provide the best possible environment and support for his son.

“He has taught us so much. We always have to think about him. There are some things that are not good for him and we cannot do them. Holidays are always difficult,” Claudia Rodriguez said.

Cucurella also revealed one detail that shows just how important Mateo is to him.

Although his long hair has become his trademark appearance on the pitch, the Spanish defender does not want to cut it because he wants his son to be able to recognise him at all times when he is playing.

(Telegraf.rs)