Tottenham Hotspur have announced the transfer of Cristian Romero to Atletico Madrid in a statement of barely 130 words for their departing captain. The club wished him all the best for the future but notably did not thank the defender for his contribution, as they did with Brennan Johnson earlier this year.
Five-Year Deal and Arsenal Interest
Romero, 28, has signed a five-year contract with Atletico, who describe the Argentina international as "a very physical footballer" who is "quick in anticipation" with "a lot of leadership on the pitch". They have beaten Arsenal to the £34million transfer, who controversially tried to sign him from their north London rivals during this summer transfer window, before this move to the Spanish capital materialised.
Spurs were having none of Arsenal's overtures for the defender, with a move that would have caused uproar categorically ruled out by Roberto De Zerbi's side.
Romero's Farewell Message
Spurs' now-former captain shared a farewell video with supporters on Friday evening, saying: "Today, I say goodbye to a place that, for five seasons, was much more than a club."
"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."
"Thank you to everyone at the club who shared this journey with me. Coaches, teammates, staff and every person working behind the scenes, you are all part of my story and have a place in my heart."
"And to the fans: Thank you for loving me, respecting me and making me feel like one of you from day one. Thank you for every hug, every song, every flag, every applause and for always being there."
"I know I wasn't perfect, but one thing gives me peace: I always gave everything. I defended this shirt with pride and with all my heart."
"THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING. 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. And goodbye @spursofficial."
Romero leaves Tottenham after impressing for Argentina at the World Cup this summer, where he helped the national team reach the final.
