Cristian Romero bids farewell to Tottenham ahead of expected Atletico Madrid move

Cristian Romero has said goodbye to Tottenham Hotspur supporters as he prepares to complete a move to Atletico Madrid, with the Argentina defender having undergone a medical at the Spanish club on Friday.

The transfer is yet to be officially announced, but Romero is now expected to leave Tottenham after five seasons with the club. He shared an emotional farewell message through his official account on X.

“Today I say goodbye to a place that, for five seasons, was much more than just a club. It was my home, a challenge for me, and the place where my family and I built a very important part of our lives,” Romero wrote.

“I leave with my heart full of memories and immense pride in everything we experienced and achieved together. When I arrived, I had a clear dream: to leave my name in the history of this club.

“I knew the only way to achieve that was through hard work, sacrifice and achieving something that seemed extremely difficult for a long time – lifting a trophy again. And we did it.”

Romero joined Tottenham in the summer of 2022 from Italian club Atalanta and made 156 appearances for the London side, scoring 13 goals and providing seven assists.

He helped Tottenham win the 2024-25 UEFA Europa League, the club’s latest major success, and said that achievement had been central to his time in north London.

“The journey was not perfect, but I do not want that to define the moment of my departure,” he added. “I choose to remember the happy moments, the lessons I learned, the people who stood by me and, above all, the love I received during these five years.”

He also thanked Tottenham’s coaches, team-mates and staff, including those who worked behind the scenes.

“Thank you to everyone at the club who shared this journey with me – the coaches, my team-mates, the staff and everyone who works behind the scenes. You are all part of my story, and you will always have a place in my heart.”

Romero expressed his gratitude to the club’s supporters for the welcome and backing he received throughout his time at Tottenham.

“Thank you for your love and respect, and for making me feel like one of you from the first day,” he said. “Thank you for every hug, every song, every flag and every applause, and for always being there.”

The 2022 World Cup winner acknowledged that his time at the club had not been without mistakes, but said he was satisfied that he had always given everything for the Tottenham shirt.

“I know I was not perfect, but there is something that gives me peace of mind: I always gave everything I had. I defended this shirt with pride and with all my heart.”

Romero also played a role in Argentina finishing runners-up at the 2026 World Cup.

“I am leaving the club, but a part of my heart will always remain here,” he concluded. “I was once one of you, and today I leave as one of you forever. With all my love and respect, thank you for everything. Goodbye.”

Romero is expected to make his Atletico Madrid debut against Malaga on Wednesday in the opening round of La Liga.