Cristian Romero Reflects on Tottenham Spell as He Prepares for Atletico Madrid Move
Cristian Romero admitted he “wasn’t perfect” during his five-year tenure with Tottenham Hotspur, announcing his imminent transfer to Atletico Madrid for £34.2 million.
The Argentina centre-back’s last appearance for Spurs came against Sunderland in April, where he departed the field in tears due to a knee injury that sidelined him for the final six matches of the Premier League season. This injury occurred during a pivotal time, as the team fought to avoid relegation. Romero faced criticism from fans for planning to be in Argentina for Spurs’ last match of the season, where he intended to witness his first club Belgrano compete in the Primera Division Apertura final.
Instead, he made his way back to England to watch Tottenham’s crucial 1-0 victory over Everton, which secured their place in the Premier League for another season, finishing in 17th position.
“I know I wasn’t perfect,” Romero posted on X. “But one thing gives me peace: I always gave everything. I defended this shirt with pride and with all my heart.”
Romero joined Tottenham from Atalanta in 2021 and quickly established himself as a cornerstone of their defense, clocking in 156 appearances. Notably, he played a significant role in the club’s first trophy win in 17 years, helping them triumph over Manchester United in the 2025 Europa League final.
“When I arrived, I had a clear dream: to leave my name in this club’s history,” Romero expressed. “I knew the only way was through hard work, sacrifice, and achieving something that had seemed so difficult for so long: lifting a trophy again. And we did it.
“I’m leaving the club, but a part of my heart will always remain here. Once I was one of you. Today, I leave as one of you forever.
“With all my love and respect. Thank you for everything.”
Cristian Romero has said he “wasn’t perfect” during his five years with Tottenham Hotspur.
The Argentina centre-back is set to complete a move to Atletico Madrid after they agreed to pay Spurs £34.2m for the 28-year-old.
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Romero’s last game for Tottenham was against Sunderland in April, when he left the field in tears with a knee injury that would rule him out of Spurs’ last six Premier League games.
The team were in a relegation battle and Romero upset fans by planning to be in Argentina for their final game, to watch his first club Belgrano play in the Primera Division Apertura final.
He ultimately returned to England to attend Spurs’ 1-0 win over Everton, which meant they stayed up and finished 17th for a second consecutive season.
“I know I wasn’t perfect,” Romero posted on X. “But one thing gives me peace: I always gave everything. I defended this shirt with pride and with all my heart.”
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Romero joined Tottenham from Atalanta in 2021 and became a mainstay in their defence, making 156 appearances.
His best moment with Spurs was helping the club win their first trophy in 17 years as they beat Manchester United in the 2025 Europa League final.
“When I arrived, I had a clear dream: to leave my name in this club’s history,” Romero added.
“I knew the only way was through hard work, sacrifice and achieving something that had seemed so difficult for so long: lifting a trophy again. And we did it.
“I’m leaving the club, but a part of my heart will always remain here. Once I was one of you. Today, I leave as one of you forever.
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“With all my love and respect. Thank you for everything.”
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