Atletico Madrid star sends amusing message to Real Madrid new signing Marc Cucurella | OneFootball

Marc Cucurella’s move to Real Madrid continues to generate reactions across the Spanish national team camp, and the latest response has come from one of his closest international teammates.

The Spain squad has become known for its strong atmosphere during the World Cup, with players from Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and several other clubs regularly sharing moments of strong friendship. 

Despite their club rivalries, many players have built close friendships while representing their country.

That bond was on display once again after Atletico Madrid midfielder Alex Baena shared a playful message to Cucurella following the defender’s high-profile switch to Real Madrid.

Baena reacts to Cucurella’s Real Madrid move

Baena has shared a playful message directed at Cucurella. (Source: Instagram)

Since Cucurella completed his transfer to Real Madrid, several Spanish internationals have publicly reacted to the move. However, Baena chose a different approach.

Rather than speaking to the media, the Atletico Madrid midfielder shared an Instagram story featuring himself alongside Cucurella. 

The image showed the pair laughing and embracing during Spain’s World Cup camp. However, it was the caption that quickly caught attention.

Alongside the image, Baena wrote: “Last month as friends.”

The message was clearly intended as a joke, but it resonated with the fans because of the circumstances surrounding both players.

Cucurella has signed for Real Madrid. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

While Cucurella is preparing for life at Real Madrid, Baena is expected to continue playing for Atletico Madrid, meaning the two friends will soon find themselves on opposite sides of one of Spanish football’s fiercest rivalries.

Spain teammates to become derby rivals

One of the standout stories from Spain’s World Cup campaign has been the excellent relationship between players from rival clubs.

Barcelona stars, Real Madrid players and Atletico Madrid representatives have all been seen interacting regularly throughout the tournament, which has reinforced the strong unity within the squad.

Notably, Baena and Cucurella are among the clearest examples of that chemistry.