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Cristian Romero has flown back to England ahead of Tottenham Hotspur’s crucial Premier League clash with Everton, following intense criticism for travelling to Argentina while the club battles to avoid relegation. Former Spurs icons Glenn Hoddle and Teddy Sheringham have both questioned the defender’s leadership and dedication to the team.

Romero changes course on Argentina stay before Everton encounter

The Argentine centre-back has returned to England before Sunday’s decisive match against Everton, reversing his earlier decision to remain in South America. Romero had travelled to Argentina to continue his rehabilitation from a knee injury but caused outrage among Tottenham supporters when he was seen attending a match involving his former club Belgrano while Spurs were struggling to secure Premier League safety.

The timing of his visit infuriated several former Tottenham players and officials, given the club’s precarious league position. There were also growing concerns about Romero’s commitment amid reports linking him with a potential summer transfer to Spain. His return comes at a pivotal moment for Tottenham, who may require all three points against Everton to ensure their top-flight status.

Hoddle and Sheringham question Romero’s leadership qualities

Former Tottenham midfielder and ex-manager Glenn Hoddle delivered a scathing verdict on Romero’s decision after images of him in Argentina emerged.

“I’d drive him to the airport myself and tell him not to bother coming back,” Hoddle said, as reported by the Daily Mail. “It shows how selfish he is. You can’t be a captain and behave like that. If it was a family issue, fair enough, but if he’s gone back just to watch a football match, then he should stay in Argentina and the club should get as much money as possible for him.”

Teddy Sheringham also criticised Romero’s absence, saying Tottenham’s captain should have been with his teammates during such a crucial period. He remarked: “This is the biggest game in the club’s history. It’s going to be a nervous one, and when your captain isn’t there, it sends the wrong message. That’s careless, that’s poor management allowing that to happen.”

“How does he even ask that question? ‘Is it okay if I go back to Argentina because my boyhood club have an important match?’ Absolutely not! You need to be in the dressing room supporting your teammates. I can’t believe he even asked, and I can’t believe the club allowed it. It sets a bad precedent.”

Romero’s future remains uncertain

Romero is still recovering from the knee injury sustained against Sunderland, but Tottenham hope his presence in the camp can give the squad a morale boost ahead of Sunday’s showdown. Manager Roberto De Zerbi declined to comment on Romero’s long-term future when asked about ongoing transfer speculation.

“Sometimes, not all leaders are the same,” De Zerbi said. “Romero is preparing for the World Cup while carrying an injury. For me, nothing has changed. We must always think about what’s best for Tottenham’s future. He spoke with the medical team, and together they decided he would continue his recovery with Argentinian specialists.”

He added, “We spoke last week. With me, he has shown he wants to stay here. I want to be clear: I’m not foolish. If I sense a player puts himself before the club, I can’t be the same Roberto. But with Romero, I have no complaints. Since my arrival, he has behaved professionally.”

Tottenham face critical juncture in relegation fight

Tottenham now approach one of the most important fixtures in their recent history, with their Premier League survival hanging in the balance. Even though Romero will not feature on the pitch, his leadership and commitment remain under scrutiny after a week filled with criticism. The result against Everton could also influence Tottenham’s broader summer plans, including decisions on leadership roles, squad restructuring, and Romero’s long-term position at the club.