Departing Romero says he wasn't perfect at Spurs

Cristian Romero, the Argentine centre-back, has departed Tottenham Hotspur after five years at the club, revealing that he wasn't perfect during his tenure. The transfer to Atletico Madrid has been finalized, with the La Liga side paying £34.2 million for the 28-year-old. Romero's final game for Tottenham was a tearful exit in April due to a knee injury that kept him out of the team's last six Premier League matches.

The Spurs squad was in a relegation fight, and Romero's decision to be in Argentina for their final game to support his former club, Belgrano, upset fans. However, he returned to England to witness Spurs' crucial 1-0 win against Everton, securing their Premier League survival and a second consecutive 17th-place finish.

Romero joined Tottenham from Atalanta in 2021 and became a key player in their defense, appearing in 156 matches. His greatest achievement at the club was helping them win their first trophy in 17 years by defeating Manchester United in the 2025 Europa League final. Romero expressed his pride in donning the Spurs shirt and his commitment to the team, noting that hard work and sacrifice were the keys to lifting that coveted trophy.

Though Romero has left the club, a piece of his heart remains with Tottenham. He acknowledged, "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." Romero concluded his statement with gratitude and respect for the fans and the club, emphasizing the bond he forged during his time at the club.