Cristian Romero has returned to London for Tottenham’s crunch clash against Everton on the Premier League’s final day.
The Spurs captain had been slammed in the build-up to the relegation-deciding weekend, having travelled to Argentina.
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Romero, who is currently injured, was with his hometown club, Belgrano, ahead of their title decider against River Plate on Sunday.
That huge game in South America is taking place on the same day as Tottenham vs Everton, of course, but the defender appeared to have chosen watching Belgrano over his current side.
And that decision came despite Spurs facing an unprecedented drop down to the Championship if they lose and West Ham beat Leeds.
The controversial choice has led to Romero being heavily criticised for his actions, considering the stakes in north London.
But now, talkSPORT understands that the World Cup-winning centre- back has returned to London for the game.
Romero has performed a late U-turn and will be in attendance for the match against Everton, alongside his teammates.
It comes after Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi defended his captain, saying: “Sometimes, not all the leaders are the same.
“He wanted to stay with the team and teammates. 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.”
De Zerbi had also explained the reason why Romero wasn’t in England this week: “He spoke with the medical staff.
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“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.
“With Romero, I can’t say nothing. With me, in my time, he has been correct at the beginning until now.”
‘Read the room!’
Romero’s decision to fly to Argentina rather than stay with the Tottenham squad this week was met with huge backlash.
He may have now returned to London, but as De Zerbi didn’t mention that he would be coming back, it indicates a late U-turn.
And that choice is likely to have come following the criticism thrown his way, with talkSPORT’s Gabby Agbonlahor getting involved.
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“It sums him up,” Aston Villa legend said when originally finding about Romero was in Argentina ahead of the Everton clash.
“A captain should be there in the changing room, giving a team talk before the game, not in Argentina, having a fancy bit of steak before watching River Plate, even if it is against your boyhood club.
“He’s not been discreet about it, he’s posted it on social media. He couldn’t care less!
“Why are Spurs even letting him do that? If I’m Spurs, I’m saying; ‘OK we’re going to fine you the maximum for not being at the stadium’.
“Wow. It’s scandalous! Read the room! The captain should be there on the sidelines.
“There’s a lot of words we could call him and we can’t call him on air. I’m sure the Spurs fans out there, when they heard this, will be using those words. It’s an utter disgrace.”
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