Cristian Romero (right) attended Tottenham's final game of last season after a backlash from fans and former players.

Cristian Romero says he "wasn't perfect" during his five years with Tottenham Hotspur, with his move to Atletico Madrid confirmed. The La Liga side have paid £34.2m for the 28-year-old Argentina centre-back, who has joined on a five-year deal.

Romero's last game for Tottenham was against Sunderland in April, when he left the field in tears with a knee injury that would rule him out of Spurs' last six Premier League games of the season. The team were in a relegation battle and Romero upset fans by planning to be in Argentina for their final game, to watch his first club Belgrano play in the Primera Division Apertura final.

He ultimately returned to England to attend Spurs' 1-0 win over Everton, which meant they stayed up and finished 17th for a second consecutive season.

"I know I wasn't perfect," Romero posted on X. "But one thing gives me peace: I always gave everything. I defended this shirt with pride and with all my heart."

Romero joined Tottenham from Atalanta in 2021 and became a mainstay in their defence, making 156 appearances. His best moment with Spurs was helping the club win their first trophy in 17 years as they beat Manchester United in the 2025 Europa League final.

"When I arrived, I had a clear dream: to leave my name in this club's history," Romero added. "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."

"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."

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