Cristian Romero's Farewell to Tottenham as Atletico Madrid Transfer Nears

Cristian Romero has expressed his sentiments to Tottenham supporters, acknowledging that his five years in North London were not without flaws. The Argentinian international is on the verge of joining Atletico Madrid, with the Spanish club reportedly agreeing to a £34.2 million deal for the centre-back.

Romero has been sidelined since sustaining a knee injury in April during a match against Sunderland. The defender was visibly moved as he left the pitch, with the injury subsequently ruling him out of Tottenham's final six Premier League fixtures.

His absence occurred during a critical period for Spurs as they fought against relegation. He also faced criticism from some fans for his initial intention to return to Argentina for a cup final with his former club, Belgrano, before Tottenham's crucial season-ending game.

Ultimately, Romero remained in England and was present at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to witness Spurs secure their Premier League status with a 1-0 victory over Everton, marking their second consecutive 17th-place finish.

In a farewell message shared on social media, Romero reflected on his tenure with the club.

"I understand I wasn't flawless," he stated. "But I can depart knowing I consistently gave my all. I wore this jersey with pride and defended it with every fiber of my being."

"Upon my arrival, I had a singular ambition: to leave my mark on this club," Romero continued. "I knew this was achievable only through diligent effort, sacrifice, and by accomplishing something long awaited by the fans – winning a trophy. Together, we achieved this."

"I am leaving Tottenham, but a part of me will forever remain here. I arrived as a player and I depart feeling like one of you.

Thank you for everything."

Romero joined Tottenham from Atalanta in 2021, quickly establishing himself as a vital defender for the club. He amassed 156 appearances across all competitions.

The pinnacle of his time at Tottenham was in 2025, when he played a key role in ending the club's 17-year trophy drought by defeating Manchester United in the Europa League final.