Cristian Romero will not talk transfers until after Tottenham’s survival bid
By George Sessions, Press Association
Cristian Romero has side-stepped talk about a summer transfer and insisted his full focus is on helping Tottenham get out of relegation trouble in the Premier League.
Romero returned after concussion protocols to help Spurs claim a morale-boosting 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, but it failed to prevent elimination from the Champions League in the last-16 phase.
Atletico boss Diego Simeone praised long-term transfer target Romero on Tuesday, but Tottenham’s captain refused to entertain the topic during a mixed zone interview with Spanish media and instead reiterated his desire to improve the club’s Premier League form.
“The truth is that I’m focused on the situation we’re in,” Romero said.
“I have a lot of respect and affection for the club and I want to finish the season in the best way possible.
“We’ll see later but the most important thing now is to recover energy to help Spurs.”
Romero’s sentiments followed a similar theme of this week where Micky van de Ven responded to “nonsense” talk that Tottenham players do not care about the survival battle and Pedro Porro has also downplayed suggestions of a summer transfer back to Spain.
Spurs produced one of their best performances of a sorry season against Atletico to end an eight-match winless run and earn under-fire boss Igor Tudor a maiden victory in charge.
Tudor appeared on the brink after a 5-2 loss in Madrid, but a spirited display in a 1-1 draw at Liverpool and their European triumph has lifted belief before Sunday’s key visit of relegation rivals Nottingham Forest.
Porro added: “This match was also good to gain some confidence despite the elimination.
“We’ve had some bad matches in the Premier League to be honest, but the last one against Liverpool, we also came out with a draw so we’re picking up some good feelings again and that’s the overall sense that we’re left with.
“Right now I’m not thinking about (going back to Spain). The truth is I’m really happy here with my club.
“I’m trying and all my teammates are trying to get (us) out of this situation. It’s tough, it’s not easy because nobody wants to be in this position at this point, fighting like this, for what we’re fighting for, but the most important thing is the team is fighting and that we came out with a victory.
“It’s something bittersweet but it gives you confidence for what’s going to be like a final on Sunday.”
