Cristian Romero returned to London for Tottenham’s crucial win over Everton which kept them up on the final day of the Premier League season.
The Spurs captain had been slammed in the build-up to the relegation-deciding weekend, having travelled to Argentina.
Romero travelled back to London from Argentina for Spurs’ huge gameGetty
Romero, who is currently injured, was with his hometown club, Belgrano, ahead of their title decider against River Plate on Sunday.
That huge game in South America took place on the same day as Tottenham vs Everton, of course, but the defender initially appeared to have chosen watching Belgrano over his current side.
And that decision came despite Spurs facing an unprecedented drop down to the Championship had they lost and West Ham beat Leeds.
The controversial choice led to Romero being heavily criticised for his actions, considering the stakes in north London.
But the World Cup-winning centre-back had a change of heart as he has returned to London, watching the team from the stands.
He joined his teammates on the pitch at full time as they celebrated their survival thanks to a 1-0 win at home to the Toffees with Joao Palhinha securing the vital three points as West Ham did what they needed with a 3-0 win over Leeds.
Romero’s return comes after Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi defended his captain, saying: “Sometimes, not all the leaders are the same.
“He wanted to stay with the team and teammates. Romero is preparing for the World Cup with an injury. For me, nothing changed.
“Then we have to think, everything is for the best future of Tottenham.”
De Zerbi had also explained the reason why Romero wasn’t in England this week: “He spoke with the medical staff.
The Tottenham skipper had been in Argentina during the build-up to their clashGetty
“Together, they decided to go to Argentina to complete rehab with Argentinian medical staff.
“We spoke last week. With me, he has shown he wants to stay with us. I want to be clear, I am not stupid. If I understand that there is a player who thinks for himself before the club, I cannot be the same Roberto.
“With Romero, I can’t say nothing. With me, in my time, he has been correct at the beginning until now.”
‘Read the room!’
Romero’s decision to fly to Argentina was met with huge backlash.
Although Romero returned to London, but as De Zerbi didn’t mention that he would be coming back, it indicates a late U-turn.
And that choice is likely to have come following the criticism thrown his way, with talkSPORT’s Gabby Agbonlahor getting involved.
Spurs have to avoid defeat against Everton to stay in the Premier League
“It sums him up,” Aston Villa legend said when originally finding about Romero was in Argentina ahead of the Everton clash.
“A captain should be there in the changing room, giving a team talk before the game, not in Argentina, having a fancy bit of steak before watching River Plate, even if it is against your boyhood club.
“He’s not been discreet about it, he’s posted it on social media. He couldn’t care less!
“Why are Spurs even letting him do that? If I’m Spurs, I’m saying; ‘OK we’re going to fine you the maximum for not being at the stadium’.
“Wow. It’s scandalous! Read the room! The captain should be there on the sidelines.
“There’s a lot of words we could call him and we can’t call him on air. I’m sure the Spurs fans out there, when they heard this, will be using those words. It’s an utter disgrace.”
Premier League News, Reaction, Opinion – talkSPORT
Cristian Romero makes dramatic Tottenham U-turn hours ahead of vital relegation battle
