Spurs‘ new central defender Cristian Romero spoke of his determination to repay the faith that the club and the fans have put in him, in his first interview since joining from Atalanta on an initial loan which will most probably be made permanent for a fee of around £42.5 million.
The Serie A Defender of the Year and Copa America winner will likely miss the start of the season as he recovers from injury, but he still cannot wait to get the shirt on and helping the team towards the top end of the table and trophies.
Morning, Spurs fans! 👋 pic.twitter.com/wZl2PvN2RL
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 7, 2021
“I’m so happy to be here at this great club,” said Romero. “From the moment I got the call I was sure it was the best option for me to keep improving and growing.
“Gio [Lo Celso] showed me the facilities and I’m so impressed. I hope to pay back all the confidence that the club has in me, and I will try to show that on the field.”
After impressing for Atalanta and Argentina this season, Romero earned admirers in the shape of the likes of former Barcelona superstar and now free agent Lionel Messi – but despite interest from elsewhere and proving himself as a top level defender, Spurs were still able to convince him to make the move to North London.
Welcome to Spurs, @CutiRomero2! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/KLmRXIkGuC
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 6, 2021
“It was a great year for me individually,” he reflected. “Thanks to Atalanta, I’ve improved my game and I’ve made a huge jump in my career. Now everything’s better after signing with this big club. I’m very happy and excited to play, to wear this shirt and to pay back that confidence.
“I knew this project was ideal for me. It’s a great club and I want to help inside and outside the pitch. It’s a great club with a great history, so we have to keep on building on that.”
🇦🇷Cristian Romero has firmly insisted he only wanted to join Tottenham Hotspur:
🤩“I only wanted Spurs because I really like this project.”
💪”Paratici and the whole club wanted me and I will give my best. The Premier League is the best way to continue my career”.#THFC #COYS pic.twitter.com/Y06RBB4PGg
— Last Word On Spurs (@LastWordOnSpurs) August 8, 2021
The first game of the new season kicks off in just a weeks time, as Spurs host Premier League Champions Manchester City who will likely be without creative maestro Kevin De Bruyne, while Nuno’s side will be missing Romero and Harry Kane who has just returned from holiday.