Argentina’s Cristian Romero confirms Tottenham Hotspur exit as Atletico Madrid move looms

LONDON – Cristian Romero announced on Aug 14 he was leaving Tottenham Hotspur, with reports suggesting he will be joining Atletico Madrid in a €40 million (S$59 million) deal.

The Argentina international was a controversial figure during a five-year spell in north London, incurring several suspensions during 156 appearances for Spurs, where he was also captain.

But he was named Man of the Match for a fine display during the 2025 Europa League final win over Manchester United which ended Spurs’ 17-year wait for a major trophy.

“Today, I say goodbye to a place that, for five seasons, was much more than a club,” Romero said on Instagram.

The 28-year-old added: “It was my home, my challenge and the place where my family and I built such an important part of our lives.

“I leave with a heart full of memories and enormous pride for everything we lived and achieved together.

“When I arrived, I had a clear dream: to leave my name in this club’s history. 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.

“The journey wasn’t perfect, but I don’t want that to define my goodbye. I choose to remember the happy moments, the lessons, the people who stood by me and, above all, the love I received during these five years.”

Spurs are rebuilding under manager Roberto de Zerbi, who helped the club stave off relegation last season.

They have overhauled their backline with the signing of defenders Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke.

Veteran goalkeeper Martin Dubravka has also joined them, along with his former Newcastle United teammate Sandro Tonali and West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes.

The North London side begin their new English Premier League season at Brentford on Aug 22. AFP