Antonio Conte has reacted to Cristian Romero’s rather strange international break, in which the centre-back essentially endured a round trip to Argentina and back.
Romero was called up to his national team despite having to serve a two-match ban, with Argentina hoping they could get it reduced in time for him to play against Ecuador (Sun).
However, the ban, which came from Romero failing to follow COVID protocols when entering Brazil for a fixture last year, was kept at the original two games.
The Spurs defender was thus forced to return home without having kicked a ball for his country, and is now back in training at Hotspur Way ahead of Tottenham’s match against Newcastle this weekend.
The former Atalanta player has shone in Conte’s back three since his return from injury, forging an impressive partnership with the likes of Eric Dier and Ben Davies.
Conte said (Football London): “(Laughs) I still don’t understand the situation. I spoke with the player. It was very curious.
“I was the coach of a national team and for this reason, I prefer not to answer about this situation. It was a strange decision for the player.
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“He’s here and he’s had good training sessions this week. Argentina has qualified for the World Cup and this is the most important thing.”
Spurs Web Opinion:
It was a very strange move from Romero and Argentina. He was never going to get his ban reduced and, even if he did, Argentina have already qualified anyway. There was no point in him flying all the way out there for nothing. Not ideal for Spurs at all.
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