‘I know I wasn’t perfect’ – Cristian Romero’s move to Atletico Madrid confirmed

Cristian Romero says he “wasn’t perfect” during his time at Tottenham after his transfer to Atletico Madrid was confirmed.

The 28-year-old departs the north Londoners after a five-year spell at the club, joining the Spanish giants on a five-year deal in move worth £34.2 million.

Romero last played for Spurs in April against Sunderland, where a knee injury ruled him out for the rest of the campaign, however the defender was fit enough to play for Argentina on their run the World Cup final.

After joining from Atalanta in 2021, Romero made 156 appearances for the Lilywhites, guiding them to a first trophy in 17 years when they won the 2025 Europa League.

In a statement released on X, Romero said:

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

“I leave with a heart full of memories and enormous pride for everything we lived and achieved together. When I arrived, I had a clear dream: to leave my name in this club’s history. I knew the only way was through hard work, sacrifice and achieving something that had seemed so difficult for so long: lifting a trophy again.

“**And we did it.**

“The journey wasn’t perfect, but I don’t want that to define my goodbye. I choose to remember the happy moments, the lessons, the people who stood by me and, above all, the love I received during these five years.

“Thank you to everyone at the club who shared this journey with me. Coaches, teammates, staff and every person working behind the scenes you are all part of my story and have a place in my heart. And to the fans:

“Thank you for loving me, respecting me and making me feel like one of you from day one. Thank you for every hug, every song, every flag, every applause and for always being there. I know I wasn’t perfect, but one thing gives me peace: I always gave everything. I defended this shirt with pride and with all my heart.

“THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING I’m leaving the club, but a part of my heart will always remain here. Once I was one of you. Today, I leave as one of you forever. With all my love and respect.

“Thank you for everything. And goodbye.”