Cristian Romero has admitted that he and his family faced some personal challenges following his move to England last summer but insisted that he now feels at home in London.
In little over 12 months from his move from Atalanta, Romero has quickly established himself as one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League.
Jamie Carragher even named the 24-year-old as his signing of the season across the league for the 2021/22 season (Sky Sports MNF).
Romero has now opened up on the challenges he initially faced when he made the switch from Italy last summer, revealing that his wife was pregnant at the time.
He told Sky Sports: “In the beginning, it was difficult, above all because my wife was in her seventh month of pregnancy and there were a lot of changes. Fortunately, she supported me in the decision I made, like she always does, and now everything is good off the pitch.
“Family is always the most important thing for me. Obviously, football is my passion and I don’t take it for granted. I know I am lucky to do what I love. But the most important thing is family.”
Romero was voted as the best defender in Serie A in the season before he made the switch to Tottenham but he admitted that the Premier League presented a different challenge, owing to the fast and aggressive nature of the competition.
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When asked about the differences between Italian and English football, the Argentine said: “Serie A is much more tactical. There are a lot more pauses in the game.
“That’s partly because of the referees, who don’t let play go as much. Here, the ball is in play all the time.
“All the teams are also very aggressive, and the majority of them have a good way of playing and are offensive too. Physically, they are all at a very good level and that means the games are always very, very competitive between the two teams.”
Romero has certainly displayed the physicality and aggression needed to succeed in the Premier League.
When asked if he enjoys the physical nature of the game in England, the Spurs star responded: “Yes, yes, yes. The Premier League was always one of my favourite leagues, so when I had the option to come to Tottenham, it was an easy decision and I was very quick to finalise my transfer here.
“Fortunately, my first season went well. I know I have many things still to
improve but I will try to do that.”
Spurs Web Opinion
While Romero’s talent was obvious for all to see, I thought the 24-year-old would have a steep learning curve in the Premier League, given his desire to always win the ball. I did think that he would be exposed a few times last season but the 24-year-old made the transition quite seamlessly.
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