Cristian Romero: From 'rebel' to Tottenham Hotspur leader

After Son Heung Min officially left the club, the leadership role of Tottenham was handed over to Cristian Romero. But few people expected that this player had publicly criticized the club before.

Captain Romero (in black) successfully blocked Haaland's explosive strike in Tottenham's 2-0 win over Man City - Photo: REUTERS

Tottenham Hotspur are entering a new and exciting era and no one embodies that spirit of change more clearly than Cristian Romero. From a player who openly criticised the club, he has made a remarkable U-turn to become the new captain and symbol of unity under manager Thomas Frank.

Last season, Romero repeatedly expressed his frustration. He publicly complained about the club's lack of investment. The center-back wearing the number 17 shirt even reposted an article criticizing Tottenham for not providing a private plane after the national team's training camp.

Tensions reached a boiling point when he thanked Argentina's medical team but ignored Tottenham's physiotherapists after his injury, or declared his dream of playing in La Liga.

These disagreements seemed to spell the end of his future in north London. Even when coach Ange Postecoglou left, Romero's cryptic thank you only added fuel to the rumours that he wanted to join Atletico Madrid.

However, everything changed dramatically with the arrival of coach Thomas Frank. Under the new reign, Tottenham not only changed in the coaching chair but also in the upper echelons. New faces such as Vivienne, Charles Lewis, Vinai Venkatesham or Peter Charrington breathed new life into the club.

Romero admitted his mistake in speaking ill of the club in the latest interview - Photo: REUTERS

In a press conference before the opening match of the Champions League against Villarreal (2am September 17), Romero frankly admitted his past mistakes: "I once gave an interview and it seemed like I spoke badly of people in the club, but in the end, I am also a person who sometimes makes mistakes."

Cristian Romero continued: "I used to be very angry, but today I see an organised club with clear ideas, the coach is organising everything. Everyone is looking in the same direction and that is important."

The 2022 World Cup winner explained that all his words stem from his desire to see Tottenham reach the top.

Romero became more widely known when he moved to Tottenham Hotspur in 2021, and became an indispensable pillar in the defense. He quickly won the hearts of fans with his passionate and fiery style of play. The peak of his career was the 2022 World Cup with Argentina, where he played a key role in the squad.

With the departure of Son Heung Min, Romero was chosen as captain, marking an important milestone in his career at the club.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/cristian-romero-tu-noi-loan-den-thu-linh-cua-tottenham-hotspur-20250916101506239.htm