- Cristian Romero currently with Belgrano to prepare for the World Cup
- Tottenham captain won’t be present for relegation decider on Sunday
- Roberto De Zerbi has had his say on Romero’s strange decision
Cristian Romero has been the talk of the town over the past 24 hours after he decided to leave the Tottenham Hotspur camp to prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 28-year-old is training with his boyhood club Belgrano in Argentina, much to the anguish of the Lilywhites faithful.
Romero was spotted celebrating Mathys Tel’s goal against Aston Villa, which was a clear sign that he loves the club.
However, his decision to ditch the club that pays his wages to instead go to Argentina – all this while the club is battling relegation – hasn’t been well received by the footballing fraternity.
And now, ahead of the all-important clash against Everton, Roberto De Zerbi has had his say on the matter.
De Zerbi explains Romero’s Tottenham snub
Romero is still injured but is expected to be fit for Argentina’s World Cup title defence.
And De Zerbi feels the Tottenham captain spoke to him and his coaching staff before deciding to fly out to Argentina.
“He spoke with the medical staff,” began De Zerbi in his pre-match press conference.
“Together they decided to go to Argentina to complete the rehab with the Argentinean medical staff. We spoke last week. With me, he always showed his desire to stay with us.
“He is injured. I’m not stupid. If I understand that there is any player who thinks for himself before the club, I can’t be the same Roberto. But with Cuti Romero, I can’t say anything because with me he has been correct from when I started until now.”
When asked if Tottenham fans are right to be unhappy with Romero, De Zerbi added, “100%.”
“Not all leaders are the same. Ben Davies spoke with me and he asked to stay today with us and he wants to stay with the team in the Lodge in the hotel with his team-mates, but Romero is preparing for the World Cup.”
Writing is on the wall for Romero
De Zerbi obviously won’t throw Romero under the bus as Tottenham have bigger fish to fry at the moment: avoiding relegation.
Moreover, dwelling on his selfish behaviour won’t do any good for anyone associated with Tottenham.
However, the fact of the matter is that Romero’s decision not to be present for Tottenham’s final game of the season is inexcusable, to say the least.
As De Zerbi said in his press conference, Davies will be present at the ground to support the players. As captain and one of the best players on the team, Romero is also expected to follow suit, but instead, he’s already got one eye on the World Cup, which is almost three weeks away.
Romero has been a key player for the club, but if this is his last act as a Tottenham player, he has well and truly ruined his legacy in North London.
