Spanish national football player, Marc Cucurella, has shared with the public a very personal story related to his son, Mateo, who is autistic.
His long, curly hair has become one of the most distinctive features of Cucurella's image, but the player has revealed that the reason he keeps it that way is not just for looks. He also lets it grow out for an emotional reason: so that his son can more easily identify him when he's on the field.
Speaking to La Media Inglesa and in the documentary "Married to the Game," Cucurella got emotional as he talked about family life after his son's diagnosis. He said that Mateo's autism changed the family's life a lot and that parents are never fully prepared for the challenges that such a diagnosis brings.
The footballer revealed that one of the most difficult periods was when Mateo attended a regular school, as he often faced difficulties in the school environment. According to him, there were times when he would come home upset or the family would have to pick him up early from school.
Cucurella's partner, Claudia Rodriguez, said the family often left school with strong emotions and had little support after the diagnosis. Because of this, they were forced to learn more about autism and their son's needs on their own.
Today, every family decision, from travel and vacations to school, therapy, and daily routine, is made with Mateo's well-being at the center. For Cucurella and his family, this is a daily journey with many challenges, but also with much love and dedication.
