Cristian Romero has returned to London in a dramatic u-turn after injuring his knee and traveling to Argentina to watch Belgrano’s Championship final against River Plate. With West Ham’s result still in play and Tottenham needing points against Everton on Sund
Cristian Romero returned to London on Saturday afternoon, putting himself back in the frame for Tottenham’s Premier League relegation decider against Everton on Sunday.
The 28-year-old had triggered a storm in recent days after skipping Spurs’ monumental game against Everton to travel to Argentina to watch his boyhood club Belgrano in their Championship final against River Plate on Sunday. Romero was born in Cordoba and came through Belgrano’s youth system before leaving for Genoa in Italy in 2019.
The context is as sharp as it gets. Romero was ruled out for the season after injuring his knee against Sunderland in April. He traveled back to Argentina at the start of this week before Tottenham’s match against London rivals Chelsea. and his absence has been felt both on the pitch and in the stands.
Tottenham’s inability to gain a point at Stamford Bridge means their Premier League fate rests on Sunday’s outcome against Everton, along with how West Ham fare against Leeds United.
Before the backlash, Romero’s plan had been framed around his recovery. Belgrano allowed him to use their training facilities as he stepped up his rehabilitation to try to prove his fitness for the World Cup. and the club’s president said Romero would watch Sunday’s final with the club’s delegation. Romero was also seen at Belgrano’s training ground on Friday.
Yet Saturday brought the shift. Romero was pictured back in London. and he now looks set to attend Tottenham’s Everton clash on Sunday rather than remain in Argentina for Belgrano’s final. In an Instagram story photo. Romero shared a snap of himself getting a haircut with his son in East Finchley as he looks to ease the pressure he has been under.
Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi had refused to criticise the captain when asked about the trip at his pre-match press conference on Friday.
“Sometimes, not all the leaders are the same,” De Zerbi said. “Ben Davies spoke with me and asked to stay today to work with us. Tomorrow, we sleep in the hotel.”
He added that Romero was preparing for the World Cup with an injury. “For me, nothing changed. Then we have to think, everything is for the best future of Tottenham.”
Pressed on how Romero was allowed to leave the country ahead of such a crucial game, De Zerbi explained that Romero had discussed his situation with medical staff. “He spoke with the medical staff. Together, they decided to go to Argentina to complete rehab with Argentinian medical staff.”
De Zerbi also acknowledged the emotional temperature around the decision. “We spoke last week. With me, he has shown he wants to stay with us. I want to be clear, I am not stupid. If I understand that there is a player who thinks for himself before the club, I cannot be the same Roberto.”
He stressed his own view of Romero’s attitude. “With Romero, I can’t say nothing. With me, in my time, he has been correct at the beginning until now.”
When asked about fan anger, De Zerbi said: “100 per cent I understand. I don’t know. Cristian is a top player and with me, he was a top guy. When I say top guy, it is because I am certain what I am seeing.”
Romero’s expected absence had still provoked a wave of criticism, including from Spurs legend Glenn Hoddle. Hoddle fumed: “I can’t believe what I’m hearing. The captain of the football club has gone to Argentina to watch a game back there that is so-called more important than Tottenham’s last game of the season with the club on the brink of going down.”.
Hoddle continued: “He’s captain of the football club. It’s scandalous! I’d drive him to the airport and say don’t bother coming back.”
He added: “It sums his selfishness up. He can’t be a captain and act like that. If it was for his family or something like that then fine but if this is true that he’s going back to watch a football match, then let him stay in Argentina and get as much money for him as possible.”
Now, with Romero back in London and Tottenham’s survival still hanging over Sunday’s Everton clash, the captain’s u-turn lands in the middle of a season-ending fight where every detail—every absence, every approval, every photo taken across continents—has been amplified.
Cristian Romero Tottenham Everton Premier League relegation battle Belgrano River Plate Roberto De Zerbi Glenn Hoddle World Cup knee injury
So he skipped a match for Argentina and now suddenly he’s back? Wild.
I don’t get it, didn’t they say his knee was season-ending? Like how is he magically ready by Sunday.
Tottenham fans acting like he betrayed them but it’s literally his hometown club Belgrano, right? Still though, world cup / relegation decider = pick one, and he picked the worst time.
Isn’t this the same guy that got hurt and then just went on vacation? Also why does it mention West Ham and Leeds like I’m supposed to understand the whole table… I swear these reports always leave stuff out.