Cristian Romero joins Atletico de Madrid on five-year contract

Atletico de Madrid have signed Tottenham defender Cristian Romero on a five-year contract that will keep him at the Spanish club until 2031.

The Argentina international is expected to make his Atletico debut against Malaga next Wednesday in the opening round of La Liga.

Romero, 28, leaves Tottenham after five seasons and has already published an emotional farewell message to the club’s supporters on his official X account.

“Today I say goodbye to a place that, over 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,” he wrote.

“I leave with my heart full of memories and enormous 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 accomplishing something that had seemed very difficult for a long time: lifting a trophy again. And we did it.”

Romero said his time at Tottenham had not been perfect, but that he wanted to focus on the positive moments rather than allow the difficult periods to define his departure.

“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 the club’s coaches, team-mates and staff, as well as 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 said.

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

Romero admitted that he had not always been perfect, but said he was satisfied that he had consistently given everything for Tottenham.

“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,” he wrote.

“I am leaving the club, but a part of my heart will always remain here. 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 joined Tottenham in the summer of 2022 from Italian club Atalanta. He made 156 appearances for the London side, scoring 13 goals and supplying seven assists.

During his time at Tottenham, he won the 2024-25 Europa League. He was also part of the Argentina side that won the 2022 World Cup and finished runners-up at the 2026 World Cup.

His move to Atletico de Madrid gives the defender a new opportunity in Spain, with his first competitive appearance for the club set to come against Malaga if selected for next Wednesday’s La Liga fixture.