Writers 
Marc Cucurella has joked that he does not want to put himself in another difficult situation by promising to get a tattoo of Real Madrid manager José Mourinho if the Spanish giants win the UEFA Champions League.
The Real Madrid defender was asked about the possibility during an interview with Cadena SER’s El Larguero, where he discussed his life at the club, his relationship with Mourinho and his experience of fulfilling a previous tattoo promise after Spain’s World Cup triumph.
Cucurella became the subject of widespread attention earlier this year after making a bold promise during Spain’s World Cup campaign. The left-back had said that he would get a tattoo of Spain manager Luis de la Fuente if the national team went on to win the tournament.
Spain eventually lifted the World Cup after defeating Argentina 1-0 in the final, meaning Cucurella had to honour his promise. He subsequently had De la Fuente’s image tattooed on his body as a permanent reminder of Spain’s success.
The defender has since explained that he does not regret getting the tattoo, despite admitting that it has created plenty of attention. He told El Larguero that De la Fuente was pleased that he had kept his word and that he intends to keep the tattoo rather than have it removed.
Cucurella also revealed that he may add additional designs around the tattoo in the future so that it does not stand out as much. For him, however, the image remains a special reminder of a historic achievement with the Spanish national team.
The conversation then moved to the possibility of another unusual tattoo. With Cucurella now playing under Mourinho at Real Madrid, he was asked whether he would get a tattoo of the Portuguese coach if the club managed to win the Champions League.
Rather than making another promise, Cucurella immediately attempted to avoid putting himself in that position.
“No, don’t put me in that position. Little by little,” Cucurella said when asked about the possibility.
The response reflected the lesson he has learned from his previous promise. Cucurella acknowledged that once he makes a commitment publicly, he feels obliged to follow through with it. That is why he appears reluctant to make another prediction involving something as permanent as a tattoo.
The Real Madrid defender explained that he does not know whether his previous promises brought him good luck or bad luck, but he has ultimately had to fulfil them. His comments suggest that he would rather focus on the season than make another commitment that could leave him with another permanent reminder.
Despite refusing to promise a Mourinho tattoo, Cucurella spoke positively about his new manager. The defender admitted that Mourinho had surprised him since they began working together at Real Madrid.
Before becoming his coach, Cucurella said he mainly knew Mourinho from watching him on television. His experience of working with the Portuguese manager has changed that perception, with the defender describing Mourinho as a good person and someone who is approachable.
Cucurella also highlighted Mourinho’s positive mood around the team. According to the Spanish international, the manager has remained in good spirits and has created an environment that has helped the players settle into their new working relationship.
The relationship between the two has attracted additional attention because Cucurella is beginning a new chapter in his career at Real Madrid. His move to the Spanish capital has brought him back to domestic football after his time in England, while also placing him under the spotlight at one of Europe’s biggest clubs.
The defender has acknowledged that the demands at Real Madrid are significant, particularly because supporters expect the team to compete for major trophies every season. He has also spoken about the importance of improving as a group as the campaign progresses.
For Cucurella, the Champions League remains one of the biggest prizes available to Real Madrid. Winning the competition would be a major achievement for the club and Mourinho, but the Spanish defender is clearly unwilling to attach another tattoo promise to that ambition.
His reluctance is understandable given what happened with the De la Fuente tattoo. What began as a light-hearted promise during the World Cup became a permanent piece of body art once Spain lifted the trophy.
Now, with Mourinho leading Real Madrid, Cucurella has another opportunity to make a memorable achievement with his club. However, if the Champions League trophy eventually arrives at the Santiago Bernabéu, supporters may have to wait and see whether the defender decides to make another unusual promise.
For now, Cucurella’s message is simple: he wants to take things one step at a time. Rather than committing himself to a Mourinho tattoo, the Real Madrid defender is concentrating on building a successful relationship with his manager and helping the team compete for trophies.
Whether Real Madrid can eventually lift the Champions League trophy remains to be seen, but Cucurella has already made it clear that he will think carefully before making another tattoo promise. After keeping his word once, the defender appears determined not to give himself another permanent obligation too easily.
