Tottenham Hotspur and Argentina defender Cristian Romero has poured cold water on rumours that he could join Real Madrid in the summer transfer window.
Despite earning a reputation as a rash and bad-tempered defender during his time in the Spurs jersey, the 26-year-old has quickly become a cornerstone of the Lilywhites team.
Romero rose to prominence while playing for Atalanta BC on loan from Juventus during the 2020-21 season, and he joined Tottenham just one day after making his move to the current Europa League champions permanent.
The Argentina international will soon hit a century of competitive appearances for Ange Postecoglou's team, and his first 98 matches across all competitions have brought six goals and one assist.
Tottenham shelled out £44.3m to make Romero's move permanent in 2022 following his successful audition, and the centre-back is still under contract in North London for another three seasons.
Romero outlines ambition to win trophy at Tottenham
© Reuters
While Romero is yet to win a trophy with Tottenham, he has achieved continental and international stardom with Argentina, winning two Copa America titles either side of the 2022 World Cup.
The ex-Juventus man was a regular starter during La Albiceleste's run to glory in Qatar and their 2024 Copa America victory, supposedly catching the eye of Real Madrid in the process, as Los Blancos were said to have touched base with his agents back in June.
However, Romero recently told ESPN F90 that he was giving no thought to a move away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and expressed his desire to help Spurs win their first trophy since the 2007-08 EFL Cup next season.
"I always strive to play at my best. I have a lot of respect for Tottenham. They've always given me a lot of support here, so I like playing here. I don't think about other clubs or their possibilities," Romero said.
"I know there's a lot of talk about a possible move, but I'm calm. At my club I play differently to the national team, more forward. I still have years left in Europe and I want to see where I can go. Hopefully this year we can win a title at Tottenham."
What is Tottenham's stance on Romero's future?
![Ange Postecoglou coach of Tottenham during the Pre Season Friendly match at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium, London, July 20th, 2024 [on July 26, 2024]](https://sm.imgix.net/24/30/ange-postecoglou.jpg?w=640&h=480&auto=compress,format&fit=clip "Ange Postecoglou coach of Tottenham during the Pre Season Friendly match at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium, London, July 20th, 2024 [on July 26, 2024]")
© Imago
Romero's stance is thought to be in line with Tottenham's, as Postecoglou views the South American as a crucial member of his squad, and the board are not expected to entertain any offers either.
That sentiment appears to have been taken on board by the Real Madrid offices, as a report from The Mirror claims that Los Blancos have not followed up their initial enquiry with a formal bid for Romero's services.
However, Spurs have had no qualms about letting other centre-backs depart in the summer transfer window, offloading Eric Dier, Japhet Tanganga and Joe Rodon as part of their cull.
Bryan Gil, Ivan Perisic, Ryan Sessegnon, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Tanguy Ndombele have also been axed by Postecoglou, and more could follow in the coming weeks, namely Richarlison, Sergio Reguilon, Oliver Skipp and Emerson Royal.
Ben Knapton
