Cristian Romero missed Tottenham’s decisive final game against Everton after flying to Argentina to watch his boyhood club. Romero has been sidelined since injuring a knee against Sunderland and may still be available for the World Cup. Criticism followed his choice to attend Belgrano’s playoff final against River Plate. Roberto De Zerbi defended the decision, stating Tottenham’s medical department sanctioned the trip and that the injury required rehabilitation with Argentinian medical staff. De Zerbi said Romero’s presence at the stadium would not change the result. He emphasized focus on the match and noted that other leaders, including Ben Davies, stayed to work with the team.
"Roberto De Zerbi has defended Cristian Romero's decision to miss Tottenham's decisive final game against Everton on Sunday after the Spurs captain flew to Argentina to watch his boyhood club. Romero, who has not played since injuring a knee against Sunderland last month but has a chance of playing at the World Cup, has been criticised for opting to attend Belgrano's game against River Plate in a league playoff final."
"But De Zerbi said Romero's trip had been sanctioned by Tottenham's medical department and pointed out that the 28-year-old cannot affect the result at home to Everton regardless. A win would guarantee Spurs will not be relegated for the first time since 1977 and a draw would almost certainly suffice given their goal difference is 12 better than that of third-bottom West Ham, who play at home to Leeds."
"He spoke with the medical staff, together they decided to go to Argentina to complete the rehab with the Argentinian medical staff, the head coach said. We spoke last week and he always wanted to stay with us. The injury is already an injury, and we have to accept it. I'm not stupid, if I understand there is any player, or some player who thinks for himself before the club, I can't be the same Roberto."
"But with Kuti Romero, I can't say nothing, because with me, in my time, he has been correct, in the beginning, until now. Glenn Hoddle, the former Tottenham player and manager, said that Romero's decision sums his selfishness up. But De Zerbi, asked whether he understood that criticism, said: The decision was with the medical staff and I think he can change nothing if Romero tomorrow is in the stadium or not."
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