Cristian Romero has expressed his renewed optimism about his future with Tottenham Hotspur, despite admitting to past frustrations with the club's structure. In a press conference alongside head coach Thomas Frank, Romero addressed speculation about his future and affirmed his commitment to the North London club.
Romero, who signed a new four-year contract and was appointed captain this summer, acknowledged that he had been "so angry" at times during his Tottenham career. He alluded to "many obstacles" faced by former Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou and had previously called for greater investment in the squad. However, the Argentine international now believes that positive changes have been made, and that "everyone inside" the club is now on the same page.
Despite rumors linking him with a move to Atletico Madrid, Romero insisted that he never expressed a desire to leave Tottenham. "I never said I wanted to leave the club. Nothing ever came through me to that effect," he stated. He emphasized the importance of the opinions of those within the club, including the manager and president, and declared that he is "very happy" at Tottenham.
Romero described Tottenham as "a family, one big family," and praised the impact of Thomas Frank since his arrival. "I'm really happy since Thomas has arrived," Romero said. "He took his decision to lengthen my contract, to extend my contract". He also expressed his appreciation for Frank's management style and the way they are working together.
Frank, who took over as Tottenham's head coach after Ange Postecoglou's departure, has made it clear that keeping Romero at the club was a top priority. He lauded Romero's commitment, exceptional qualities, and status as one of the Premier League's best center-backs. "For me, he's one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League and, to have him locked down long-term, every fan, me, staff, should be extremely happy," Frank said. He also highlighted Romero's composure on the ball, his aggression in duels, his commitment to winning, his excellent defending in the box, and his threat from set pieces.
Frank expressed his delight at Romero's decision to commit his long-term future to the club, stating that it "shows he's committed to the journey we're on and the future and the bits we're building together". He also revealed that Romero had a strong desire to become captain and believes he will thrive with the added responsibility. "He will thrive under this captaincy," Frank said. "No doubt it was something he was hoping to be and wanted to be. When you have that approach, normally people take another step up and really want to go to the next level in terms of leadership".
Romero also commented on the departure of Daniel Levy, who brought him to Spurs. While acknowledging he hadn't had the chance to speak with Levy personally, Romero thanked him for his service to the club and wished him well.
Looking ahead, Romero expressed his belief that Tottenham can achieve great things under Frank's leadership. "I see a fantastic group, a coach, who leaves us with a clear idea," he said. "The group is very happy and we have to go game by game but I believe we can achieve great things. We hope and we are going to fight to lift another trophy".
Tottenham Hotspur are set to begin their Champions League campaign against Villarreal, and Frank is eager to make a strong start in Europe.
