SBOTOP : Cristian Romero Says Goodbye to Tottenham as Atletico Madrid Move Nears

Cristian Romero has opened up about his emotional Tottenham Hotspur farewell, admitting that he was not perfect during his five years at the club but insisting that he always gave everything for the shirt.

The Argentina international is now preparing for a new chapter in Spain after Tottenham reached an agreement with Atletico Madrid for his transfer. The deal is reportedly worth £34.2 million, bringing an end to Romero’s time in north London.

For Tottenham supporters, Romero’s departure marks the end of an era for a defender who became one of the club’s most recognizable figures. His final months were complicated, but his legacy includes a major European trophy and more than 150 appearances for Spurs.

Romero Admits He Was Not Perfect

Romero did not try to hide the difficult moments in his farewell message.

The 28-year-old acknowledged that his time at Tottenhamwas not flawless, but he believes he can leave knowing that he always gave maximum effort.

“I know I wasn’t perfect. But there is one thing that gives me peace: I always gave everything. I defended this shirt with pride and all my heart,” Romero wrote on X.

That message reflects the complicated relationship between Romero and some Tottenham supporters.

His commitment was rarely questioned, but his availability and decisions occasionally created frustration. Despite those controversies, the Argentine defender remained an important figure in the Tottenham squad.

His five-year spell in London ultimately produced one of the most memorable moments in the club’s recent history.

An Emotional Final Game at Tottenham

Romero’s final appearance for Tottenham came against Sunderland in April.

The match ended with an emotional moment as the defender left the pitch in tears after suffering a knee injury. The problem forced him to miss Tottenham’s final six Premier League matches of the season.

At the time, Spurs were involved in a serious battle to avoid relegation.

Romero later faced criticism from some supporters after traveling to Argentina to watch Belgrano, his boyhood club, compete in the Primera Division Apertura final.

He eventually returned to England and watched Tottenham’s 1-0 victory over Everton from the stands.

That result confirmed Tottenham’s Premier League survival and saw them finish 17th for the second consecutive season.

The circumstances surrounding his final months made his departure particularly emotional.

From Atalanta to Tottenham Leader

Romero joined Tottenham from Atalanta in 2021.

Over the following five years, he developed into one of the club’s leading defenders and became an important part of the team’s identity.

He made 156 appearances for Tottenham across competitions, establishing himself as an aggressive and technically capable center-back.

His defensive style was often intense. Romero was never afraid to challenge opponents, step out of the defensive line or take responsibility in difficult situations.

His Tottenham career included several important milestones:

1. Joined Tottenham from Atalanta in 2021.
2. Made 156 appearances for the club.
3. Became a key figure in the Spurs defense.
4. Helped Tottenham win the Europa League in 2025.
5. Departed for Atletico Madrid after five years in north London.

While his career at Tottenham contained ups and downs, his contribution to the club’s trophy success will remain an important part of his legacy.

The Europa League Triumph Stands Out

Romero’s best moment with Tottenham came in 2025 when the club finally ended a long wait for silverware.

Spurs defeated Manchester United in the Europa League final to win their first trophy in 17 years.

For Romero, that achievement represented the fulfillment of the dream he had when arriving in London.

“When I came, I had one clear dream: to write my name into the history of this club,” Romero said.

He understood that reaching that goal would require more than individual performances. Tottenham needed to overcome years of disappointment and finally deliver a major trophy.

Romero and his teammates managed to do exactly that.

The Europa League triumph gave his Tottenham career a defining moment and allowed him to leave the club with a major achievement on his resume.

“We Managed to Do It”

Romero explained that winning a trophy was always central to his ambition at Tottenham.

“I knew the only way to achieve it was through hard work, sacrifice, and achieving something that had been so difficult to accomplish for so many years: lifting another trophy. And we managed to do it,” he said.

Those words underline how important the Europa League victory was for him.

Tottenham had gone through several managerial changes and difficult periods during Romero’s time at the club. Yet the team eventually managed to produce a historic night.

For a player who had spoken about wanting to leave his mark on Spurs history, lifting that trophy was arguably the perfect response.

A New Chapter at Atletico Madrid

Romero’s next destination will be Atletico Madrid.

The Spanish club have agreed a reported £34.2 million transfer with Tottenham, giving the defender the opportunity to return to La Liga and take on a new challenge.

Atletico could provide a suitable environment for Romero. The club have traditionally valued defensive intensity, tactical discipline and strong competitive mentality.

For Romero, the move represents more than a transfer. It is the beginning of another stage in his career at the age of 28.

After five years in England, he will now have the chance to test himself again in Spanish football.

Romero Leaves Tottenham With One Final Message

Despite the complicated moments, Romero’s farewell message was filled with affection for Tottenham.

“I am leaving this club, but a part of my heart will always be here. Once I was one of you. Today, I leave and I will forever be one of you,” he wrote.

He ended his message with gratitude and respect for the club and its supporters.

“With all my love and respect. Thank you for everything,” Romero said.

His departure may divide opinions among Tottenham fans because of the events surrounding his final season. However, his five-year spell also included 156 appearances, a major European trophy and several memorable performances.

Now, Atletico Madrid awaits.

For Romero, the next chapter begins in Spain. For Tottenham, another era comes to an end as the club prepares to move forward without one of its most recognizable defenders.