9 hours ago
Cristian Romero makes Tottenham contract decision after being named new captain
Cristian Romero has been named as Tottenham's new captain by Thomas Frank and the Argentine defender has now signed a new long-term contract with the club
New Tottenham captain Cristian Romero has signed a new long-term deal with the club until 2029. The World Cup winner, much-admired across Europe, has signed a new contract after being appointed captain by new boss Thomas Frank following Son Heung-min's £19.5m move to LAFC.
Romero had two years remaining on his previous contract, which ran until June 2027 and had been subjected of interest from Atletico Madrid over the summer. But Spurs have been determined to keep him in north London, Frank has been impressed by Romero's personality and training ground displays, thus making him skipper, and the player, who joined for £47m from Juventus in 2021, has now opted to extend his stay at the club.
Speaking after making Romero skipper, Frank revealed: "I would say I've worked with him now closely for more than five weeks, I've seen a very, very committed player who's trained very well. The staff have said to me they've never seen him train that well. He's in a very good place. I see a player that will want to lead the team and push the team."
The new boss was keen for the two-time Copa America winner to remain for the long haul and develop further as a leader under his tutelage.
"I think when you name a captain it's because you think he's the best that can help the team no matter what now and also in the future," he explained. "It's not really linked with the contract situation. Of course he's a very good player so I want him to stay longer.
"I see a very big and very good player. What I like about him and why I have chosen him as captain is his leadership qualities on the pitch, there is a big respect for him from the players. Off the pitch as well he also sets the standards, but it's fair to say, he's 27 and there are a few older than 27.
"When I was 27 of course I thought I could do everything but I also found out that as a leader I am 1,000 per cent better now so he also needs to learn and become better and better so I will do my best to guide him."
Romero felt immense pride after being given the armband by the Dane, revealing in a rare English interview for the club: "I'm very happy to be the first team captain of the club. It's amazing for me. Today, we [he and Frank] spoke before training. Maybe before the start of the season I've spoken a lot with him. He's a good coach and I said, 'thank you' for this, also.
"It's a big responsibility. I spoke with the players and tomorrow is also another big night for the club, for the players, for the fans, we need to enjoy this moment."
On social media, he posted after that announcement: "Today begins a new season for us, one that is truly special to me. Becoming the first [team] captain of this beautiful club is an incredible honour.
"I arrived here four years ago with a single dream: to write my name into the club's history and leave my mark by winning a trophy, and I achieved that. Now, a new journey is in front of us. A beautiful season lies ahead, and together we will work to relive the joy of that unforgettable day, May 21, 2025.
"Whatever happens along the way, I ask only one thing: stay united. There will be highs and lows, but together, nothing is impossible. Come on you Spurs."
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