Cristian Romero has confirmed that he will leave Tottenham this summer, and he is set to move to Atletico Madrid. The Argentine, who captained Spurs for the past season, leaves for a fee reported to be £34.2million.
Key role and injury-hit season
He was a key member in the north Londoners' backline, but his absences through injury hampered Spurs last term as they staved off what would have been a stunning top-flight relegation.
Romero reached the World Cup final with Argentina earlier this summer, but the holders were defeated by Spain 1-0 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. His final game in a Spurs shirt came at Sunderland in Roberto De Zerbi's first game in charge, which ended in a 1-0 defeat at the Stadium of Light back in April.
New signings and farewell message
Now, after Spurs tied Micky van de Ven down to a new long-term contract and signed Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi, Romero moves on, joining Atletico under Diego Simeone.
In a post on social media, the central defender penned a farewell message to Spurs. “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.
Reflecting on his time at Spurs
“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.”
