Cristian Romero admits 'I wasn't perfect' as Atletico agree £34.2m deal with Tottenham

Cristian Romero said he "wasn't perfect" during his five years with Tottenham Hotspur as he prepares to complete a move to Atletico Madrid, with the Spanish club reported to have agreed to pay Spurs £34.2m, the report published on 14 August 2026 said.

The 28-year-old Argentina centre-back left Tottenham's side in April after a knee injury sustained against Sunderland forced him off in tears and ruled him out of the club's final six Premier League matches while the team fought a relegation battle. He had provoked discontent among supporters by planning to travel to Argentina to watch his first club Belgrano in the Primera Division Apertura final, but he returned to London to attend Spurs' 1-0 win over Everton that secured their survival and a 17th-place finish for a second straight season.

Romero addressed his time at Spurs on social platform X, posting: "I know I wasn't perfect," and adding, "But one thing gives me peace: I always gave everything. I defended this shirt with pride and with all my heart."

Romero joined Tottenham from Atalanta in 2021 and made 156 appearances for the club during his spell in north London.

He cited helping the club win their first trophy in 17 years as the high point of his Tottenham career, having been part of the side that beat Manchester United in the 2025 Europa League final. Romero wrote: "When I arrived, I had a clear dream: to leave my name in this club's history," and continued: "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."

In his farewell message he added: "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."

The next step is the anticipated completion of Romero's transfer to Atletico Madrid after the Spanish side agreed the £34.2m fee with Tottenham.