Cristian Romero lets everyone know he’s leaving Spurs before the club officially announces it with a 286-word message.
Spurs captain Cristian Romero has shared on Instagram that he’s moving on, even though the club hasn’t officially said it yet. Spurs have agreed to sell the Argentina defender to Atletico Madrid for £34.2 million.
Romero had some interest from Inter Milan too, but they needed to sell France defender Benjamin Pavard before making any moves for him. He just got back from the World Cup, where he helped Argentina reach the final, but it was clear he was likely done playing for Spurs.
When manager Roberto De Zerbi arrived in April, Romero told him he wanted to leave. De Zerbi joked about their talks: “I had so many one-on-one meetings, and they told me their plans. I said, ‘Help me stay up, and then I’ll help you leave. If not, you’re stuck with me!’”
Spurs are playing a pre-season friendly against Hoffenheim on Saturday, but they haven’t officially announced Romero’s exit on social media. That didn’t stop Romero from posting a heartfelt goodbye to Spurs fans.
He wrote, “Today I say goodbye to a place that was more than a club for five seasons — it was my home, my challenge, and where my family and I built an important part of our lives. I leave full of memories and pride for what we achieved together.
“When I joined, I dreamed of making my mark here. I knew it would take hard work, sacrifice, and winning something that had been missing for a while: a trophy. And we did it.
“The journey wasn’t perfect, but I want to remember the good times, the lessons, the people who stood by me, and especially the love I felt all these years.
“Thanks to everyone at the club — coaches, teammates, staff — you all have a special place in my heart.
“And to the fans: thank you for loving and supporting me from day one. Thank you for every hug, song, flag, and cheer.
“I know I wasn’t perfect, but I gave my all, defending this shirt with pride and heart. THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING.
“Though I’m leaving the club, a piece of my heart stays here. I came as one of you and leave as one of you forever. With all my love and respect. Goodbye, Spurs.”
Xavi Simons and Micky van de Ven were the first teammates to comment on his post, with Simons writing, “Mi capitannnnnn.”