Cristian Romero makes dramatic U-turn to watch do-or-die Tottenham clash

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Tottenham captain Cristian Romero has returned to London just hours before his side’s crucial Premier League survival decider. The North London side head into Sunday’s clash with Everton in real threat of relegation to the Championship.

Should they fall to defeat, that opens the door to West Ham , who could beat them to safety with victory against Leeds on the final day. Club captain Romero had left fans furious after being spotted in Argentina.

The defender was expected to watch boyhood club Belgrano in their Championship final on Sunday instead of Spurs . But he appears to have returned to the UK just in time, having been spotted in the capital.

Romero is now expected to attend Spurs’ last day clash with Everton. Speaking in his pre-match press conference, boss Roberto De Zerbi said: “Sometimes, not all the leaders are the same. Ben Davies spoke with me and asked to stay today to work with us. Tomorrow, we sleep in the hotel.

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“He wanted to stay with the team and team-mates. 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 .”

When asked about Romero, the Italian added: “He spoke with the medical staff. 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.

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“With Romero, I can't say nothing. With me, in my time, he has been correct at the beginning until now.”

Asked if he could understand why fans were angry, the Italian replied: “100 per cent I understand. I don't know. Cristian is a top player and with me, he was a top guy. When I say top guy, it is because I am certain what I am seeing.”

Romero has been with Spurs since an initial loan move from Italian side Atalanta. He has gone on to make 156 appearances for the club, scoring on 13 occasions.

However, his discipline with Spurs has been questioned on a number of occasions. During his time in North London, he has been sent off on six occasions.

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