Cristian Romero returns to London amid backlash over Argentina trip
Cristian Romero has made a dramatic return to London after facing fierce backlash over his decision to fly to Argentina ahead of Tottenham Hotspur’s biggest game of the season, reports BritPanorama.
The Spurs captain had come under heavy fire after choosing to miss the club’s crucial clash with Everton to travel home and watch boyhood club Club Atlético Belgrano in their Championship final against River Plate. His absence sparked outrage among supporters and pundits alike as Tottenham’s Premier League survival hung in the balance.
Spurs’ defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge means their fate will now be decided on the final day of the season. In a dramatic twist, Romero was spotted back in London on Saturday and appears set to attend Sunday’s showdown against Everton instead of Belgrano’s title decider.
Romero had been expected to attend the final with Belgrano’s delegation but instead shared a photo on Instagram showing himself getting a haircut alongside his son in East Finchley following days of mounting criticism. Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi defended Romero on Friday, insisting that the trip had been approved by the club’s medical staff.
“He spoke with the medical staff,” De Zerbi stated. “Together, they decided to go to Argentina to complete rehab with Argentinian medical staff.” The Italian also dismissed suggestions that Romero had put himself ahead of the club, maintaining his belief in the defender’s character.
However, not all reactions were supportive. Former Tottenham midfielder Glenn Hoddle launched a blistering attack on Romero, branding the situation “scandalous.” Hoddle remarked, “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.” He further suggested Spurs should consider selling Romero after the controversy.
As the final match approaches, the focus will remain on Romero’s decisions, a compelling reminder of the pressures athletes face, where personal loyalties can conflict strikingly with professional obligations. Rome wasn’t built in a day, but it seems even heroes can ignite sharp divisions at their own clubs.
