Cristian Romero has made a last-minute return to London ahead of Tottenham’s high-stakes final-day Premier League fixture against Everton.
The Spurs skipper had faced a wave of criticism after travelling to Argentina while sidelined through injury. During his time there, he was spotted with his boyhood club Belgrano as they prepared for a title showdown against River Plate — a match scheduled on the same day as Tottenham’s crucial relegation battle.
The timing made Romero’s trip particularly contentious, given that Spurs could be relegated to the Championship if they fail to win and West Ham pick up a result against Leeds. Nevertheless, he has now reversed course and will be in the stands for the Everton game, joining the rest of the squad.
Head coach Roberto De Zerbi had stood by his captain in the run-up to the match, arguing that leadership comes in different forms and insisting his view of Romero hadn’t changed. He explained that the trip had been arranged in agreement with the club’s medical team, with Romero completing part of his rehabilitation in Argentina. De Zerbi also stressed that Romero had conducted himself properly throughout his time working with him, and that he would not tolerate any player who put personal interests ahead of the club.
The Argentina international’s absence had drawn sharp criticism from pundits, including former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor, who argued that a captain’s place at such a pivotal moment was with his teammates — not abroad watching a club he grew up supporting. Agbonlahor took particular issue with the fact that Romero had publicised the trip on social media, calling the decision a disgrace and questioning why the club had permitted it in the first place.
