Cristian Romero has returned to England ahead of Tottenham's crucial clash with Everton after drawing fierce criticism from club legends for travelling to Argentina during their fight against relegation. The Argentine centre-back landed back in the country to rejoin the squad for Sunday's defining fixture, reversing his decision to extend his stay in South America where he was continuing rehabilitation from a knee injury.
Romero's trip home sparked outrage among Spurs figures when he attended a match involving his former club Belgrano while Tottenham faced the spectre of dropping out of the Premier League. Glenn Hoddle, the club's former manager and midfielder, delivered a scathing verdict on the defender's judgment. "I'd drive him to the airport and say don't bother coming back," Hoddle said. "It sums his selfishness up. He can't be a captain and act like that." Hoddle acknowledged that family matters would justify the absence, but watching a football match during a relegation battle crossed a line he could not accept.
Sheringham Demands Captain Lead by Example
Teddy Sheringham, another Tottenham stalwart, echoed the criticism with particular emphasis on leadership responsibilities. "When your captain is not there that does not set a good example for everyone," Sheringham insisted. "I need you alongside your teammates in the dressing room to give them some support." The former striker questioned how any player could justify returning home during what could be the most significant weekend in the club's recent history, warning that allowing such departures sets a dangerous precedent for squad discipline.
Manager Roberto De Zerbi provided context for the decision, explaining that Romero consulted medical staff before travelling to complete his rehabilitation with Argentine specialists while preparing for international duty. "Sometimes, not all the leaders are the same," De Zerbi said, acknowledging the complexity. "With me, in my time, he has been correct at the beginning until now." The Italian coach stopped short of committing to Romero's future beyond this season, with reports linking the defender to potential summer moves in Spain.
Romero remains unavailable to play Sunday due to his knee injury sustained against Sunderland, but his presence in the dressing room could prove vital for squad morale. Tottenham's Premier League survival depends on their result against Everton, making this one of the most consequential matches in the club's modern era. How Romero conducts himself in the coming days will likely influence both the immediate outcome and broader decisions about leadership and squad renewal heading into the summer transfer window.
