TOTTENHAM legend Graham Roberts has hit out at Cristian Romero for appearing more committed to his country than his club.
Spurs’ vice-captain Romero has not played 90 minutes in the Premier League since November 10, having struggled with toe and quad injuries.
GettyCristian Romero has been criticised for appearing to prioritise country over club[/caption]
Former Tottenham star Graham Roberts claims he is ‘disappointed’ in RomeroRex
The Argentina star, 26, was taken off with the score goalless in the 68th minute at Fulham in the final fixture ahead of the international break – before Spurs went on to lose 2-0.
Yet Romero completed both games for his nation against Uruguay and Brazil in the following ten days, leaving some Spurs fans, and fellow hardman Roberts, irked.
The 65-year-old, who won back-to-back FA Cups in the early 80s with Tottenham, said: “I just can’t get that we played him 60 minutes and then he goes and plays two sets of 90 minutes. I just can’t understand that.
“I’m not happy because the club have looked after him and Ange (Postecoglou) has looked after him.
“If you’re fit and you start the game, then play the whole game (against Fulham).
“I know we’ve been taking care of Micky van de Ven as well, but he didn’t go away (on international duty). He was on the bench against Fulham, he didn’t play.
“I’m disappointed in him. If he had gone away and played 60 minutes in each game, that’s different. But to play 90 minutes…
“The club pays his wages and looks after him. It was a big disappointment.”
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Romero has faced accusations of prioritising his country over his club for much of his time at Spurs.
But when challenged on it by SunSport during pre-season in Australia two years ago, the centre-back refuted the claims as robustly as one of his full-blooded tackles.
Romero said back then: “I think the people that say this clearly don’t know me because I’m contracted to the club for many (more) years. I always try to give my best.
“If I didn’t feel the same passion (for Spurs as I do for Argentina), I would look to leave the club.”
A Romero exit from Spurs looks a possibility this summer with compatriot Diego Simeone keen to take him to Atletico Madrid.
Roberts would be gutted to see the all-action defender leave as he rates him as one of the Prem’s best – and warned any potential suitors the £42.5million capture would cost a pretty penny.
The former Chelsea and Rangers star told SunSport via Mr Vegas Online Casino: “I would say he and Virgil van Dijk are the two best defenders in the country at this time.
“But he’s injured too much. Micky van de Ven is injured too much. I don’t know if it’s we play a high game and their muscles aren’t up to it.
“But the bottom line is he is up there with Van Dijk. He’s proved it, he’s a World Cup winner.
“I’ve always said the badge on the front of the shirt is worth more than anybody’s name on the back of the shirt.
“If he doesn’t want to be there then that’s his prerogative, but you can’t just walk out. Somebody has to buy you and he won’t be cheap.
“There are players out there (who could replace him). I’m sure the recruitment department are well aware of that situation.
“Simeone likes him because he’s Argentinian. When your head gets turned, then you’re going to leave.
“(But) we’ll see. If we win the Europa League and we’re in the Champions League, then things change.”
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