Cristian Romero has admitted he “wasn’t perfect” during his five years at Tottenham but says he leaves the club with no regrets over his commitment to the shirt.
The Argentina international is set to join Atletico Madrid after the Spanish club agreed a £34.2 million deal with Tottenham for the 28-year-old defender.
Romero reflected on his time in north London in an emotional message to supporters, acknowledging his shortcomings while insisting he always gave everything for the club.
“I know I wasn’t perfect,” Romero wrote on X. “But one thing gives me peace: I always gave everything. I defended this shirt with pride and with all my heart.”
Romero joined Tottenham from Atalanta in 2021 and went on to make 156 appearances for the club. His spell included the most significant trophy in Spurs’ recent history, as he helped them beat Manchester United in the 2025 Europa League final to end a 17-year wait for silverware.
Romero bids emotional farewell to Tottenham ahead of Atletico move
“When I arrived, I had a clear dream: to leave my name in this club’s history,” Romero said.
“I knew the only way was through hard work, sacrifice and achieving something that had seemed so difficult for so long: lifting a trophy again. And we did it.”
His final appearance came against Sunderland in April, when he suffered a knee injury that ruled him out for the remainder of the Premier League campaign.
Romero’s time at Tottenham was also marked by occasional controversy, including criticism after he planned to return to Argentina for Spurs’ final league game last season while they remained involved in a relegation battle.
Despite those moments, the defender leaves with a lasting connection to the club and its supporters.
“I’m leaving the club, but a part of my heart will always remain here,” Romero added. “Once I was one of you. Today, I leave as one of you forever.”