Cristian Romero has arrived back in England just in time for the high-stakes encounter between Tottenham and Everton. His return follows a wave of intense criticism after the defender traveled to Argentina while his team was embroiled in a desperate fight to avoid relegation. Club icons Glenn Hoddle and Teddy Sheringham have both publicly questioned the center-back’s commitment and his suitability as a leader.
Romero reverses Argentina stay ahead of Everton clash
The Argentine international is back on English soil for Sunday’s pivotal match against Everton, shifting away from his original plan to remain in South America. Romero had traveled to his home country to continue his recovery from a knee injury. However, his decision to attend a match featuring his former club, Belgrano, while Tottenham faced the threat of the drop, sparked significant outrage across North London.
This move, viewed unfavorably by several former Spurs stars during the club’s battle for survival, has also fueled rumors regarding his long-term future. Some reports have already linked him with a potential move to Spain this summer. His arrival comes at a critical juncture, as Tottenham may need a victory over the Toffees to secure their place in the Premier League.
Leadership concerns raised by Hoddle and Sheringham
Former Tottenham player and manager Glenn Hoddle was blunt in his assessment of Romero’s behavior after photos emerged of him in Argentina.
“I would take him straight to the airport and tell him not to bother coming back,” Hoddle stated. “It perfectly illustrates his self-centeredness. You cannot hold the captaincy and act this way. If it were for a family emergency, I would understand, but if he truly went back just to watch a football match, then he should stay in Argentina and be paid off.”
Sheringham also voiced his frustration over the defender’s absence, emphasizing that a captain’s place is with the team. “This is the most important game in the club’s history,” he remarked. “It is going to be a high-pressure match, and when the captain is missing, it sends a terrible message to the rest of the squad. It is unacceptable, and it shows a lack of discipline from whoever permitted it.”
“How could he even think of asking? To go back to Argentina because his childhood club has a big game? It shouldn’t even be a question. I need you in the dressing room supporting your teammates. I cannot believe he asked, and I cannot believe they let him go. It sets a dangerous precedent.”
Uncertainty surrounds Romero’s future at the club
Still recovering from a knee issue sustained during the match against Sunderland, Romero remains separated from the main training group. Nevertheless, Tottenham is hoping his presence alone will provide a psychological lift to the squad before Sunday’s final showdown. When asked about the defender’s future, manager Roberto De Zerbi avoided specifics, focusing instead on the team’s immediate needs.
“Not every leader expresses themselves the same way,” De Zerbi noted. “Romero is focused on being ready for the World Cup despite his injury. For me, the situation remains the same. We have to decide what is best for the future of Tottenham. He spoke with the medical team, and they collectively decided he would finish his rehab in Argentina with the national team doctors.”
“We spoke last week, and he has always told me he wants to stay. I am not naive; if I felt a player was putting himself above the club, I would address it. But since I took over, Romero’s conduct has been professional.”
A defining moment for the Spurs in the top flight
Tottenham is facing a defining moment for its Premier League status. Even if Romero does not take the pitch, the spotlight remains firmly on him following a week dominated by controversy. The result against Everton will likely determine the club’s summer strategy, including squad restructuring, leadership roles, and the long-term status of the Argentine defender.
